Queensland Maroon’s star fullback Kalyn Ponga is in doubt for the State of Origin decider against the NSW Blues after suffering a foot injury while playing for his Newcastle Knights side in their disappointing 22-18 loss to the Canberra Raiders last night.
Ponga left the field early in the second half of the match and failed to return after going in for a tackle.
The 27-year-old will have scans on his foot as Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien confirms that the injury was not to the same foot as the one which forced Ponga to miss seven games last season.
O’Brien further says Ponga is tough and he does not come off the field easily, so this is probably not a good sign.
Meanwhile, NSW have question marks over five-eighth Jarome Luai and winger Brian To’o, but Panthers half Nathan Cleary will be good to go after getting through Thursday night’s win over Canterbury despite carrying a groin injury.
Luai is likely to be available for the State of Origin decider, with Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall expecting him to be out of hospital and fit again within days.
The 28-year-old skipped training on Thursday with an infection from a boil, before needing to be hospitalised upon coming down with fevers.
To’o’s place in NSW’s side for the State of Origin decider is set to rest with scans on his knee after the winger was cleared of a high-tackle charge.
To’o was put on report for a high shot late in Penrith’s 8-6 win over Canterbury on Thursday night.
But the Panthers star was able to breathe a sigh of relief, not even attracting a fine for the high shot on Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri.
The State of Origin decider between the Queensland Maroons and the NSW Blues will be held on the 9th of July at 10.05pm.
Source: Roar
