Queensland crisis: Kalyn Ponga ruled out of Origin decider….
Queensland in crisis: Kalyn Ponga ruled out of Origin decider
Newcastle captain Kalyn Ponga has been officially ruled out of Game 3 of the State of Origin on Wednesday, July 9 at Accor Stadium, after scans confirmed a Lisfranc injury to his left foot—mirroring the same injury he suffered last year . He picked up the injury in Round 17, during Newcastle’s 22‑18 defeat to Canberra, and was seen departing the field in a moon boot .
This is a significant blow for both the Maroons and Newcastle Knights, with scans suggesting he may miss the remainder of the 2025 NRL season . Queensland coach Billy Slater now faces a critical fullback dilemma. Leading candidates include Broncos’ Reece Walsh, who could return if he clears another match without aggravating his knee injury, or Dolphins’ Hamiso Tabuai‑Fidow, who has already played fullback in Game 2 .
The Maroons have also shuffled their backline, moving Tabuai‑Fidow from wing to fullback and deploying Valentine Holmes on the wing. Meanwhile, veteran Josh Papali’i makes a shock return in the pack .
Game 3 now carries even greater weight: Queensland must replace their star fullback and maintain momentum after leveling the series in Game 2.
