Ponga must be a starter, says league legend Johns
ANDREW Johns says the Cowboys cannot afford to sideline Kalyn Ponga this season.
Ponga has rocketed into contention for a Round 1 start for North Queensland with winger Antonio Winterstein likely to miss at least the first two weeks of the season with a sprained ankle.
While coach Paul Green has previously denied suggestions the teen sensation was in line for a spot in the Cowboys’ 17, it will be hard to go past him for next Saturday’s clash with the Raiders.
Ponga is favourite to take Winterstein’s spot but Green is resisting making an early selection, with centre Javid Bowen also in the mix.
Ponga is heading south to Newcastle from next season and the 18- yearold could be kept out of the team in favour of Bowen, who is contracted to the club until the end of next season.
Brisbane pulled a similar move in 2001, when coach Wayne Bennett dropped 19- year- old Hodges to the Queensland Cup after he announced he was heading to the Roosters.
Newcastle great Johns believes the Cowboys should not follow suit with Ponga.
“We’ve seen it previously with Justin Hodges at the Broncos and there is no way in the world they would do that with Ponga,’’ Johns said.
“He’ll be in there. He’ll come in ( for Round 1).
“It’s funny how things work out. Generally when you’ve got someone of that talent, something happens.
“The gods of rugby league make something happen so they get a start. He’s one of those rare talents.’’
Johns has made no secret of his admiration for Ponga and does not want to see his development stunted because he has signed a contract elsewhere.
If Ponga does not play for the Cowboys top team, he will take to the field with the under- 20s.
Johns said he could not wait to see Ponga in action with the struggling Knights from next season, particularly in his preferred fullback position.
“It’s up to the Knights to build a team around him,” Johns said. “We’ve seen what he’s done on the wing. Once he goes to fullback, then we’ll see the real talent.
“There’s going to be a lot of pressure on Kalyn but I have no doubt he will deliver. He’s one of those personalities that with the more pressure on him, the better he will go.”