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Find your SN frequency here“Not a good sign”: Will Ponga miss Origin Game III?
Nicholas Quinlan • June 28th, 2025 1:26 pm
Newcastle's Kalyn Ponga is likely to be ruled out Game III for Queensland after coming off the field with a foot injury.
The injury compounded what had already been a tough day for the Knights’ faithful having lost to the Raiders on Friday night in Newcastle 22-18 after being down 16-0 at halftime.
The injury occurred during the 58th-minute mark after Ponga was tackled by Morgan Smithies at the halfway line. Ponga was able to play the ball but would immediately go back to the ground holding his left foot.
Shortly after, Newcastle’s medical staff helped Ponga off the ground and he would not return to the game.
Speaking at his press conference, Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien confirmed that the Queensland fullback would be getting scans within 24 hours of the incident before they could confirm how long he may be out for.
“He’ll need to go get scans,” O’Brien said post-game.
“All I know at the moment is that it’s a foot injury. It’s not the one he did in ’23 but the doctors told me he’ll go off for scans.
When asked a follow-up question about how serious the injury could be, O’Brien noted that Ponga doesn’t usually come off the field unless he is in serious pain.
“Well, he’s tough, he doesn’t come off for just about anything,” O’Brien elaborated.
“You’ve got to drag him off the field with a tow truck normally, so yeah, probably not a good sign.”
With Queensland’s Game III squad expected to be announced on Monday, this will likely throw a spanner in Billy Slater’s plans.
Livewire Reece Walsh is the current favourite to take Ponga’s spot if he is unavailable having started in the No. 1 jersey for all three games during last year’s series.
However, Slater could make a change using his existing personnel from Game II. For instance, he could shift Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow from the wing into the fullback position given he plays there for the Dolphins.
__Game III will take place on July 9 at Accor Stadium. __
