Reece Walsh in State of Origin frame after devastating Kalyn Ponga injury
Broncos star fullback Reece Walsh is suddenly in the frame for a State of Origin call-up after Kalyn Ponga has been ruled out with a devastating Lisfranc injury.
Newcastle confirmed on Saturday morning Ponga was set for a lengthy stint out, less than 12 hours after picking up a foot injury in the loss to Canberra.
Ponga's injury will potentially open the door for Walsh to return to the Queensland No.1 jersey, after his own return to form for Brisbane.
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The Maroons' other option would be to shift Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback, after the Dolphins No.1 played centre and wing in the first two games.
Tabuai-Fidow's move would not be simple, however, given back-up centre Jack Howarth is out with appendicitis and Selwyn Cobbo has been dropped by Brisbane.
Ponga's injury is a serious blow to the Maroons, given their Game 2 win in Perth had offered Billy Slater the prospect of keeping the team intact for Sydney.
Newcastle said in a statement on Saturday: 'Knights captain Kalyn Ponga underwent scans this morning to assess an injury suffered in the 2nd half.
'The Knights and QLD fullback has been diagnosed with a Lisfranc injury.
'Ponga will begin his rehabilitation with Knights medical staff, with the view of returning to play in the back end of the season.'
Ponga limped from the field during the second half of the Knights' 22-18 loss, with the injury suffered on the opposite foot to the one he suffered lisfranc damage to last year.
On that occasion, he missed seven games for the Knights. A similar timeframe would mean Ponga does not return until the eve of the finals this year.
Almost immediately after the match on Friday night, Newcastle officials had feared the worst.
'Kalyn's tough. He doesn't come off for much,' coach Adam O'Brien said.
'You have to drag him off the field with a tow truck normally, so it's probably not a good sign.'
Ponga's injury also comes as a significant setback for Newcastle and O'Brien, after the Knights had shown signs of turning their season around in the past month.
Five-eighth and back-up fullback Fletcher Sharpe is unlikely to return again this year, after suffering a lacerated kidney and spleen damage last week.
Fletcher Hunt could now be the man to fill in for Ponga.
For Queensland, it is also a mega blow.
Despite being one of the best No.1s in the competition, Ponga has been restricted to eight games starting for the Maroons since first wearing the No.1 in 2019.
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