Queensland will be forced to field a new fullback for the State of Origin decider after Kalyn Ponga went down injured in Round 17.
The Newcastle and Maroons fullback limped from the field during his side’s 22-18 loss to Canberra.
The foot injury occurred midway through the second half when he was tackled near the left touchline. He got up and played the ball but clutched at his foot to send shockwaves through the QLD camp.
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Reece Walsh set for QLD recall as Kalyn Ponga suffers foot injury
Just a play later, Newcastle lost possession and Ethan Strange picked up the loose ball to race away before dishing off to Jed Stuart to score a four-pointer.
But while the Raiders celebrated all eyes turned to the No.1 who was attended to by a trainer behind the posts.
Ponga was immediately taken from the field with the Knights 22-6 down in front of their home fans.
"Ponga has suffered a foot injury and he’s going to have scans," James Hooper reported on Fox League.
"He is in doubt for Origin III that is just around the corner. Billy Slater could have a huge decision to make."
Reece Walsh has instantly rocketed into the picture for QLD after returning from a knee injury a few weeks ago.
The Brisbane flyer was the state’s No.1 throughout the 2024 series but lost his place to Ponga after missing the series opener this year through injury.
He returned to action for the Broncos just before Game II but was overlooked by the coach for the clash in Perth.
However, Walsh now looks set to receive a recall for the Maroons as KP's replacement.
On Sunday, the Courier Mail reported that Ponga had been ruled out, although he was still waiting on scans to confirm the severity of the injury, with NRL Physio revealing a high-grade mid-foot sprain could sideline the 27-year-old for 10+ weeks.
Alternatively, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow could be moved for the second time this series after the Dolphins favourite has filled in at fullback for his state in the past.
"All I know at the moment is it’s a foot injury and it’s not the one that he done in 2024," Adam O'Brien said of Ponga post-match.
"The doctors have told me he’ll go off for scans either tonight or in the morning.
"He’s tough. He doesn’t come off for anything. You’ve just about got to drag him off, so it doesn’t look good."