Kalyn Ponga’s return to the Origin arena for this year’s decider comes only one season after he was considering early retirement due to repeated head knocks.
One of the brightest stars of the NRL, the 26-year-old missed most of the opening rounds of last season and travelled to Canada to meet with specialists following a string of concussions before famously returning to form to help guide the Knights to the finals and clinch the Dally M Medal.
His injury concerns last year also led him to make the difficult decision to speak with coach Billy Slater and withdraw himself from Queensland Maroons selection, a tough call he said was the right one at the time.
“It was a difficult period for me … beginning of last year; I wasn't ready mentally and physically I reckon for this arena, I was just coming back from everything that was going on with me personally,” Ponga said.
“The decision that was made by Billy and myself was the best for me at that point in time and I'm extremely grateful to then go and have the year that I had, was huge for me and huge for my footy.
“I'm definitely excited (to be back in the Maroons squad) and I just know what this environment's like, what it's like to play for this team and this state.
“I never really doubted myself (that I'd get back), I always wanted to be back in this arena and I'm never going to close the door to it.”
Set to play a similar role to the one he played coming off the bench in his 2018 debut, Ponga said the prospect of linking up on the field with incumbent fullback Reece Walsh was something he was looking forward to.
“I've been thinking about that for a little while, it's pretty exciting … I've got visions of him going down the sideline and passing it back to me,” Ponga joked.
“It is exciting, I can't wait to get out there and train with everyone and just build combinations.
“I guess my job when I come on – we still haven't really worked that out – but it's just to give him the footy and let him open up.
“I'm just excited by everything that everyone watches and sees … (I am excited by) everything that everyone loves watching; his speed, his elusiveness, how exciting he is, everything.”
Welcome back Ponga!
Injury has also plagued the early part of the season for Ponga this year as well and despite only having one game under his belt since returning from a Lisfranc injury he suffered in Round 7 this year, Ponga said he was feeling good and would be ready to handle the physicality of an Origin game.
“It was good (to get through the game against the Raiders). My preparation, with the physio staff and everyone that had their hands on me had a big part in yesterday's performance,” Ponga said.
“I felt ready, felt confident and I was quite happy with the way I played.
“I know what this sort of arena takes, so I'll warm my shoulders up, I'll get myself right and be keen to get out there.”
Match: Maroons v Blues
Game 3 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
