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Ponga will play a part for QLD: Miles

Despite missing Origin selection, Ponga will join the Maroons camp.

Published by
Ben Cotton

Queensland Chairman of Selectors Gene Miles says Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga will join the Maroons camp during the State of Origin series and has a "part to play" for the team.

The 20-year old is one of the most exciting players in the game, enjoying a phenomenal breakout campaign for Newcastle that has him placed fourth in the Dally M voting after 12 rounds.

Despite his impressive form, the former Cowboy was not selected for the Queensland side to take on NSW. But Miles said it says more about the strength of the Maroons side.

"The only reason we left him out was because we couldn't fit him in," Miles told NRL.com.

"Obviously (Michael) Morgan would go back to the 14, would play that utility role. And the guys that made the side, he wasn't going to force any of those guys out.

"So if there was an injury, Kalyn would have been one of the first guys called upon. However, he will play a part in the series as well.

"He'll come in the camp, he'll get in and around these guys, get used to State of Origin Football, because he's going to be a 10 year player. Touch wood that he stays healthy.

"There's no one denying his ability, everyone's very aware of everything he can and can't do.

"There's not many things he can't do, there's plenty of things he can do. So he's well within our sights, and we'll bring him in and show him some love over the next couple of games."

The Origin series kicks off on June 6 at the MCG.

Published by
Ben Cotton