- Fullback Kalyn Ponga has a rib cartilage injury
- Reece Walsh won’t play due to knee complaint
- Ominous news for Maroons fans, game one is May 28
Queensland Origin fans are on edge after it was revealed star fullback Kalyn Ponga is battling a rib cartilage injury.
It comes after Broncos no.1 Reece Walsh confirmed he isn’t likely to play for the Maroons in the series opener at Suncorp Stadium on May 28.
Walsh damaged his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in his knee against the Warriors recently and is targeting a return in early June.
‘No, probably not the first Origin,’ Walsh said this week.
‘My knee is holding up pretty well at the moment, but hopefully I can get through the rehab and see how we go.
‘Everyone’s return (from a PCL injury) can be different. I will see how it pulls up each week, so I have no idea when I will be back.
Queensland Origin fans are on edge after it was revealed star fullback Kalyn Ponga is battling a rib cartilage injury
It comes after Broncos no.1 Reece Walsh confirmed he isn’t likely to play for the Maroons in the series opener at Suncorp Stadium on May 28 due to a knee complaint
‘I will keep doing the best I can.’
On Friday, NRL Physio revealed Ponga’s rib complaint on Instagram.
While not confirmed by the Knights, it could explain Ponga’s scratchy start to the season.
‘Kalyn Ponga is a confirmed starter (for Magic Round) this weekend, but he will play through a rib cartilage injury, the post read.
‘No details provided by the Knights – rib cartilage injuries known as one of the most painful injuries in footy. Return often aided by pain killers/padding.’
If Ponga and Walsh are both ruled out for Queensland, Selwyn Cobbo looms large as the replacement.
Cobbo impressed last start against the Bulldogs in driving rain playing fullback with Walsh sidelined – and this Sunday has another chance to show Maroons coach Billy Slater he is the man for the job when the Broncos tackle Penrith.
Remarkably, Penrith currently sit in 17th spot on the NRL ladder – despite winning the past four grand finals.
Up to 180,000 footy fans are expected to attend Suncorp Stadium this weekend, with eight games staged across three days.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo this week labelled Magic Round – which is officially sold out in Brisbane – a ‘true rugby league festival.’
