Ponga bounces into frame but Boyd remains
BILLY Slater has urged Maroons coach Kevin Walters to not forget about Darius Boyd, after Kalyn Ponga burst into favouritism to be Queensland’s next fullback.
Slater yesterday announced he would retire from representative football after this year’s State of Origin series.
The 34-year-old will make his 30th Origin appearance on Wednesday next week.
Slater’s looming exit will open the door for a new fullback to be crowned, and at the top of the pile is the talented Ponga.
Ponga, 20, has only played 21 NRL games but is rated so highly that Walters will bring him into Camp Maroon throughout this series to get a taste of the Origin set-up.
Broncos captain Boyd, a 28game Maroon, was overlooked for Game One, but Slater said he should be in contention to return to the team.
“There is a lot of hype around Kalyn and he is a fantastic young player,” Slater said. “He is doing some great things and is only about 15 games into his NRL career. He has a bright future.
“I’ve got no doubt he will play for Queensland one day.
“But Darius Boyd is a fantastic No.1 as well and has been there. He is very experienced.
“He had a pretty bad hamstring injury at the end of last year which was still affecting him this year. It’s going to take a bit to get back from.
“There are many options, but next year is so far away. I remember everyone talking about Cameron Munster being the next Queensland fullback.”
Walters said he hoped Boyd could feature in the series.