Rivals ready to take fullback jersey from under-pressure Ponga
MAROONS coach Kevin Walters has declared the race for Queensland’s No. 1 jersey is wide open as Kalyn Ponga looks to reclaim the coveted fullback duties.
The Maroons will today launch their 2020 State of Origin jersey, a tribute to the 40year history of the series.
The full maroon jersey with white collar and distinct ‘Kangaroo Q’ logo evokes images of Arthur Beetson leading out the first team in 1980.
The Queensland Rugby League has chosen Ponga to model the new-look kit despite the Newcastle dynamo missing last year’s decider.
Ponga sat out Queensland’s 26-20 loss with injury, opening the door for Melbourne’s Cameron Munster to star in his first Origin at fullback.
Munster is likely to revert to five-eighth this year, but Ponga has a new contender for the No. 1 jersey in Valentine Holmes.
Holmes, who has scored eight tries in five Origins on the wing, has returned to the NRL from American football and will play fullback for North Queensland.
Ponga, 21, had a tough season at Newcastle last year and Walters said Origin spots were up for grabs on the back of Queensland losing the past two series.
“They need to fight hard and play well for everyone position really,” he said.
“We’ve got some really good options around fullback.
“Kalyn is as good as any of them. It’s a matter of him going out and doing what he does.
“He’s a big part of our future. The best thing he can do is start the season well at the Knights.” Holmes, 24, missed last year’s entire season as he pursued an NFL career with the New York Jets.
He will be part of a 33-man squad that attends a Queensland camp in Brisbane this weekend as Walters shakes up his preparation following two series losses.
Walters said he had spoken to Holmes about his involvement in the 2020 series and was excited about what the prolific tryscorer could bring to the Maroons.
“He’s really excited, he’s been out of the game for 12 months but he’s very confident with where he is physically,” he said. “He would have done a full pre-season, which will put him in a strong position to start the season well.”