Tedesco to hold off an Aussie bid from Kalyn
QUEENSLAND whiz-kid Kalyn Ponga is unlikely to make his Australian debut this year, despite being viewed as a star of the future for the Kangaroos.
The Newcastle sensation made a successful State of Origin debut in Game Two of this year’s series, but was unable to play in Queensland’s Game Three victory after suffering a hamstring injury.
With his Maroons teammate Billy Slater retiring from representative football, the Australian No. 1 jersey is up for grabs for the end-of-year Test match against New Zealand.
But Australian coach Mal Meninga says it’s unlikely Ponga will get his chance this year.
Meninga named an Australian merit squad on Saturday, with Slater picked at fullback.
However, NSW No. 1 James Tedesco was named on the bench, in a nod to the future.
Tedesco has never donned the green and gold in an official Test match before and Meninga said it was these more experienced players that would keep Ponga out of the side for now.
“Probably not at this stage but certainly going forward,” Meninga said of Ponga’s chances of a Test jersey.
“James Tedesco is an example of someone who has been waiting in the wings for a long time. His non-versatility has hurt him a little bit to not get picked in the national side.
“But he’d have to be favourite for the No. 1 position at the moment.”