Queensland State of Origin legend Wally Lewis has called for Maroons selectors to pick Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga for game two.
It comes after Ponga revealed he was 'pencilled in' by coach Kevin Walters for the Origin opener only to be overlooked in favour of Michael Morgan by Queensland selectors as they were defeated 22-12 by the baby Blues at the MCG.
The 20-year-old has shown maturity beyond his age for the Knights in 2018 and has been the talk of the town this Origin series as a host of NRL experts have called for the teenage prodigy to be selected following an exodus of Maroons big names.
A veteran of 38 Origin matches himself, Lewis declared Ponga must be picked to help Queensland try to save the series in Sydney on June 24.
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“This kid has something special about him,” Lewis told Channel Nine on Sunday's NRL's broadcast.
“There’s always been that line used, it mightn’t be a good time to select him, he’s not old enough for State of Origin football.
“But as Arthur Beetson would say if you’re good enough then you are old enough.
“The ability this man has displayed in his NRL appearances so far this season have been sensational."
Ponga's chances of playing in game two could hinge heavily on the fitness of Billy Slater, who was ruled out of game one with a hamstring injury,
While it does look most likely the Knights fullback will overtake Anthony Milford in the selection ranks, his chances of an Origin debut could also depend on Michael Morgan who was solid in game one, but is also battling a groin/abdominal issue.
Queensland selector Darren Lockyer did admit that Ponga will feature at some point in the series for the men up north, although he could not say when that would be.
“We all know he is going to play at some point, maybe this series,” Lockyer said.
“It’s difficult. If Billy plays you expect him to play 80 minutes. Where do you put him in the team if he comes off the bench?
“We used Milford game one. It’s difficult to find a player who doesn’t play in the front line.
“It’s going to happen. I just don’t know game two is the one.”
Ponga, who spent time in the Queensland camp ahead of game one, has been the form fullback of the competition and one of the signings of the season so far.
He has featured in all 14 of the Knights' matches and has 12 try assists to go alongside four tries of his own this year.
The versatile young back has only played 23 first grade games but showed he can handle the pressure of big time footy when he shined on debut on the wing as an 18-year-old in a semi-final for the Cowboys in 2016.
