Queensland Coach Billy Slater’s Stance on Kalyn Ponga and Reece Walsh
Queensland coach Billy Slater has made it clear that he has no issues with selecting Kalyn Ponga for the State of Origin this year, despite the fullback’s recent decision to switch his international allegiance from Australia to New Zealand. Slater is also open to the possibility of including both Ponga and Reece Walsh in the same team, which presents a unique challenge for the Maroons’ coaching staff.
Slater faces a difficult decision regarding who will wear the No.1 jersey for the Maroons this season. Walsh, who recently won the NRL premiership with the Broncos and made his Kangaroos debut in the Ashes, has emerged as one of the most promising fullbacks in the game. However, Walsh missed out on the 2025 State of Origin series entirely, with Ponga wearing the No.1 jersey in the first two games and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow stepping in for an injured Ponga in the decider. In Game 3, Slater opted for ‘The Hammer’ over Walsh, who was left as the 18th man.
Currently, both Walsh (cheekbone) and Ponga (hamstring) are sidelined but are expected to be back in time for Origin 1. If all three players are available, Slater may choose to play Tabuai-Fidow at centre or wing, with either Walsh or Ponga at fullback and the other on the new six-man bench.
Speaking to The Courier Mail on Monday, Slater confirmed that he has no reservations about selecting Ponga. The fullback recently received permission to switch his Test allegiance to New Zealand, but he remains eligible for Origin due to a change in the rules for this year.
Jahrome Hughes recently made some interesting comments, stating that he would not commit to playing for Queensland despite being eligible, as he does not feel the passion for Origin and considers himself a Kiwi. However, Slater believes that Ponga and players like Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who represents Samoa, will not need to prove their loyalty to Queensland.
“I know Kalyn well. I know Tino extremely well,” Slater said. “The one thing they don’t need to do is prove the Queenslander in them to me. They don’t need to prove to me that they are passionate and all in for Queensland. As long as that passion is still there for the state they are representing and that comes from deep within from way before they play in the NRL, I think it still holds its integrity. It doesn’t worry me at all.”
Could Billy Slater Pick Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga?
With the introduction of the new six-man bench for State of Origin this year, Slater believes there is a fair chance he will include both Ponga and Walsh in his 19-player squad. The flexibility provided by the six-man bench allows for more strategic selection, although Slater acknowledges the need to remain mindful of coverage.
Valentine Holmes, the incumbent Maroons winger, has been struggling with form for the Dragons, which could lead to a scenario where Ponga plays on the wing and Walsh takes the fullback position.
On Channel 9 on Sunday, Slater expressed concerns about NSW using Panthers forward Moses Leota, who misses the age criteria by just four months. Players must be in Australia before turning 13 to be eligible for Origin, but Leota arrived from New Zealand at 13 and four months. Slater suggested that this should not be allowed.
