Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga is reportedly only 80 minutes away from making his return to the Origin arena amid a big selection shake-up from Billy Slater.
That is according to The Daily Telegraph, who are reporting Slater has discussed picking Ponga on the Queensland bench should he get through his NRL return on Sunday unscathed.
Reece Walsh will reportedly retain the Maroons’ No.1 jersey, however veteran enforcer Felise Kaufusi is on the chopping block alongside Kurt Capewell.
The only place to watch every game of every round LIVE with no ad-breaks during play is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit.
That duo will reportedly make way for Ponga and the return of Titans star David Fifita who was a shock omission from Queensland’s squad ahead of the series opener.
Ponga hasn’t featured for the Maroons since the 2022 series decider, destroying the Blues at Suncorp Stadium with a try, 15 tackle busts and 247 running metres.
He also won the Dally M Medal in 2023, having ruled himself out of Origin selection that year after suffering a number of concussions.
Ponga was reportedly considered for a role on the bench in the 2024 series opener, however he suffered a Lisfranc injury which kept him sidelined since Round 7.
Instead, Selwyn Cobbo was handed that position on the pine and played a starring role in Game I, joining the backline after Reece Walsh was ruled out of the game.
Speaking to Fox League on Friday night, ahead of his own potential recall, Fifita explained he will be supporting the Maroons if he does miss out.
Manly leave it late to down Cowboys | 03:22
MORE NRL NEWS
WHAT WE LEARNED: DCE clutch in Turbo’s quiet Origin audition
‘COMPLETE RUBBISH’: Rugby league great blasts controversial no try call
‘FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH’: Bellamy’s big Tigers prediction
WHAT WE LEARNED: Stunning Dally M charge continues; horror injury toll worsens
“If the opportunity comes, I will represent my family and my state proudly,” Fifita said.
“I was just worried about getting the win (against Cronulla) and if the opportunity comes (for Queensland), it comes.
“If I’m not there, I will always be celebrating for the boys.”
Elsewhere, Selwyn Cobbo is reportedly leading the race to win Xavier Coates’ wing spot after he suffered a hamstring injury in Round 17.
Valentine Holmes is also reportedly on the chopping block, with his position in the centres under fire with Dane Gagai being considered to take over.
PREDICTED QUEENSLAND TEAM FOR GAME III
1 Reece Walsh
2 Selwyn Cobbo
3 Dane Gagai/Valentine Holmes
4 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5 Murray Taulagi
6 Tom Dearden
7 Daly Cherry-Evans (c)
8 Reuben Cotter
9 Ben Hunt
10 Lindsay Collins
11 Jaydn Su’A
12 Jeremiah Nanai
13 Pat Carrigan
14 Harry Grant
15 Mo Fotuaika
16 David Fifita
17 Kalyn Ponga