Slater praises Ponga's form, hinting Walsh may lose Queensland Origin spot due to recent performance.
Queensland coach Billy Slater has sent an indirect message to Maroons incumbent Reece Walsh after lauding Newcastle Knights star Kalyn Ponga as the race for the state fullback jersey begins. Ponga was incredible last Thursday night in the Knights' win over the Dolphins as he continues to improve his game as captain.
Ponga has led his team to two wins to start the 2025 NRL season and has been instrumental in both attack and defence for the Knights. While Walsh was a standout in round one for the Broncos as they hammered the Roosters 50-14, he was anonymous against the Raiders.
Michael Maguire's men suffered their first defeat under his tenure and Walsh endured a nightmare in the No.1 jersey. And with only two rounds gone in the NRL, Walsh is already coming under immense pressure to retain his Origin position with Ponga stating his case as the best fullback in the game. After Walsh's latest performance, Queensland great Darren Lockyer hinted the star may have fallen down the pecking order of the NRL's elite fullbacks.