Ponga to wait for Test chance
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- ofyear 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.
“James Tedesco is an example of someone who has been waiting in the wings for a long time. His nonversatility 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.”
Ponga faces plenty of other competition for spots in the outside backs, with fellow Queenslanders Greg Inglis, Dane Gagai and Valentine Holmes in the mix.
Meninga also singled out Tom Trbojevic and Josh Dugan, and indicated Ben Hunt is the favourite for a utility spot, given he is an incumbent Kangaroos squad member and he performed strongly in the role in Origin III.
Australian selectors often opt for players with a lot of versatility and while Ponga has that in his game, Meninga said a number of players deserved their chances.
“Having that versatility in your team is really important,” Meninga said.
“Tommy is one who can bring that and so can Greg, Dane Gagai, Josh Dugan. We have heaps of guys that can play a number of positions.
“There’s no doubt ( Hunt is in the mix as utility). It was tough for him in Game Three but he took it in his stride and his impact at No. 9 in the game was impressive.”