Queensland’s king of State of Origin Wally Lewis has fired a warning shot to Knights star Kalyn Ponga, saying he needs to regain his form if he’s to be considered for Origin selection.
The 2022 Origin series is still more than two months away, with game one to kick off on June 8.
But after Maroons great Cameron Smith was recently unveiled as an assistant for this year’s series, talk about Queensland’s squad has started as they look to bounce back from a humbling series loss last year.
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Smith said last week the spine will be similar to the line-up we’ve seen in recent series, with Ponga at fullback, Cameron Munster and Daly Cherry-Evans as the halves and Harry Grant at hooker.
Ponga has been hampered by a knee injury this season, resulting in two games on the sidelines, while the Knights have also struggled with two wins from five games to start 2022.
“No, I don’t dispute that [selection by Cameron Smith],” Lockyer told Wide World of Sports’ QLDER
“Look, Kalyn is playing with a team that has a lot of injuries and not a lot going forward, so he’s not getting a lot of opportunities.
“He’s probably not playing his best football.
“Munster was good on the weekend, DCE’s kicking game has been exceptional and Harry Grant, for a hooker that plays 80 minutes and is so dynamic, that’s a good combo.”
Lewis said that out of Smith’s preferred spine, Ponga is the only player who he wouldn’t hand automatic selection to, adding that he expected the fullback to turn it on in the coming weeks.
“Ponga, If there’s anybody that’s happy about it, it’s the selectors,” Lewis added.
“Usually if you’re not playing all that well a couple of games out from selection time, it makes a player hungry. They want to get in there and grab that spot.
“He’s got the ability to be able to do it.
“The others – the No.6, No.7 No.9 – I agree with you, they’re selected. They’re chosen, they’re safe.
“Kalyn, well, the Newcastle guys will be happy that he needs to produce his best, but there will be a challenge.”
Ponga has featured for the Maroons on four occasions since debuting in 2018.
He featured in just one of three Origin games last year, while in 2020, Ponga missed the entire series due to shoulder surgery.
“Without being disrespectful and the judgement of his Newcastle teammates, he will be playing with some players that have a little bit higher standard, and they can perform,” Lewis said.
“Usually when you find a great player that slots into a position like that, he produces his best instantly.”
Lockyer added: “Form obviously comes into it, but it’s also what you’ve done in the jersey that counts a lot too.”
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