Ponga out of Origin decider after scans confirm worst fears…
0-0Kalyn Ponga has officially been ruled out of the State of Origin Game III, following scans that confirmed he suffered a Lisfranc injury in his left foot during Newcastle’s 22–18 loss to Canberra on June 27 .
The injury occurred mid‑second half after a tackle by Morgan Smithies, forcing Ponga off in a moon boot and leading to scans the next day diagnosing the same serious foot structure damage he’d suffered last year—though this time in the opposite foot . For Queensland, this is a huge blow: Ponga had featured in both of the opening Origin matches in 2025, and with the series tied 1‑1, Game III is critical .
Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien and teammates know the gravity of the injury. As O’Brien noted, “Kalyn’s tough… you have to drag him off the field with a tow truck normally,” making the prognosis even grimmer .
Queensland coach Billy Slater now faces a tough decision: recall Reece Walsh from the Broncos or shift Hamiso Tabuai‑Fidow from the wing to fullback . Meanwhile, Ponga will begin a lengthy rehab with Newcastle, likely aiming to return late in the NRL season—should the injury heal within six to ten weeks .
> “Ponga out of Origin decider after scans confirm worst fears.”
Comments described it as a “massive blow” and shared heartfelt support for the maroon jersey.
In summary, Queensland’s fullback dilemma is now pressing, Newcastle is bracing for a season-defining absence, and all eyes will be on Slater’s selection for the July 9 decider.
