Reece Walsh in Frame for Origin Decider as Kalyn Ponga Sidelined With Injury Setback
Reece Walsh has a timely opportunity to push for a State of Origin recall as speculation mounts that Queensland may be forced into a major backline reshuffle for the series decider in Sydney. The spotlight is firmly back on the Brisbane Broncos fullback after incumbent No.1 Kalyn Ponga suffered a foot injury during Newcastle’s 26-6 defeat to the Canberra Raiders on Friday night.
With just under two weeks to go before the crucial Game 3, Queensland coach Billy Slater could be left with no choice but to seek a new fullback after Ponga limped off the field in visible discomfort. The Knights captain had already been battling through an ankle issue in recent weeks, and was heavily strapped around the knee for Friday’s clash. But the latest blow saw him leave the field with around 20 minutes remaining — and what followed only added to growing concerns.
Post-match images showed Ponga in a moon boot and needing emotional support from his mother, painting a grim picture for Queensland fans. Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien confirmed the Maroons star would undergo scans and, importantly, revealed the injury wasn’t on the same foot that sidelined Ponga for two months last year due to a Lisfranc injury. However, O’Brien admitted the severity remains unknown, raising fears the same debilitating injury may have occurred on the other foot.
“Kalyn’s one of the toughest we’ve got. It takes a lot to get him off the field — usually you’d need a tow truck — so for him to leave early, that tells you everything,” O’Brien said.
Coach Slater, speaking during Channel Nine’s coverage, acknowledged the concerning sight of Ponga being comforted by his mother after the match. “His mum’s there… so that’s probably not a good sign,” Slater said, suggesting Ponga’s availability for Origin III is hanging in the balance.
Walsh Stakes Claim for Queensland Recall
While Ponga’s status remains uncertain, attention swiftly shifts to who could wear the No.1 jersey in his place. Among the frontrunners is Reece Walsh, who has only recently returned from a six-week layoff due to a knee injury. After a slow return across his first couple of games, Walsh looked back to his dynamic best last weekend against Cronulla.
In that performance, Walsh clocked up 178 run metres, registered two try assists and three line-break assists, broke five tackles, and recorded a line-break of his own. He’ll have another chance to impress Slater on Saturday when the Broncos take on the Warriors, but Brisbane coach Michael Maguire already believes the 21-year-old has done enough.
“He’s shown in the last couple of weeks that he’s ready,” Maguire said. “He took a big step last week. It’s just about whether the opportunity is there now. He’s a hard worker, he’s passionate about his game, and he loves his footy — he brings great energy.”
Walsh previously featured for Queensland during the 2024 series when Ponga opted out, but struggled to find top gear as the Maroons lost the series. Despite flashes of brilliance in club football, he has yet to dominate at Origin level in the way Ponga has at his best. Nonetheless, with Ponga now in serious doubt, Walsh looms as a prime candidate to step in for the July 10 showdown in Sydney.
Tabuai-Fidow Another Option for Slater
However, Slater may also consider reshuffling the backline entirely, with versatile speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow emerging as another contender for the fullback role. The Dolphins flyer, who has played in the centres this Origin series, has fullback experience and could easily transition to the No.1 role. That move would then open the door for someone like Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi to return to the Maroons’ side.
Taulagi, who has just returned to full fitness for North Queensland, would be a straight swap into the wing position if Tabuai-Fidow is moved. Such a reshuffle would retain Queensland’s attacking potency while shoring up their backline under the assumption that Ponga is unavailable.
Slater’s options are somewhat limited by the absence of other backups. Jack Howarth, who was Queensland’s 19th man for Game 2, has been ruled out due to appendix surgery. Ezra Mam, who was 18th man last game, remains an option, although he only plays in the halves and wouldn’t fit naturally into a fullback or outside back position.
Denan Kemp Weighs In
Meanwhile, former Bronco and media personality Denan Kemp has weighed into the debate, sharing a blunt assessment of the options facing Billy Slater. Speaking last week, before Ponga’s injury, Kemp questioned the Newcastle fullback’s recent form and suggested Slater might have to consider a change regardless of injury concerns.
Kemp indicated that if a switch was needed, he would lean towards Tabuai-Fidow over Walsh, implying concerns about the Broncos star’s consistency and recent injury battles. “If I had to make a change, I’d go with Hamiso. He’s been consistent and electric every time he’s pulled on a Maroons jersey,” Kemp said.
While Kemp’s opinion is just one of many in the rugby league landscape, it reflects a broader conversation about whether Walsh — despite his flair — can bring the reliability needed in a high-stakes Origin decider.
Slater’s Dilemma
With less than two weeks until the series finale, Billy Slater now faces a tricky selection dilemma. If Kalyn Ponga’s scans confirm a serious injury, the Maroons will be without one of their most influential players — and Slater will have to decide between restoring Walsh to the No.1 jersey or taking a risk by reshuffling the backline and elevating Tabuai-Fidow.
Either way, Queensland’s hopes of sealing the series on enemy turf at Accor Stadium rest on whoever Slater trusts to marshal his side from the back. While Ponga’s toughness has seen him play through pain in the past, this latest injury may be one too many — and it could open the door for Walsh’s redemption or Tabuai-Fidow’s rise to the fullback throne.
As the countdown to Game 3 intensifies, all eyes will be on how Ponga pulls up from scans — and who gets the nod to fill the vital No.1 jersey for Origin’s most crucial clash of the year.
