Latest news with #StateOfOrigin
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NRL fans all say same thing as Reece Walsh suffers massive State of Origin blow
Reece Walsh suffered a Hammer blow on Saturday night as Hamiso-Tabuai Fidow scored four tries for the Dolphins and declared he wants to wear the No.1 jersey for Queensland in State of Origin 3. Maroons coach Billy Slater faces a tricky decision for the decider, with Kalyn Ponga ruled out with a foot injury. Walsh was Queensland fullback in 2023 and 2024, but many have called for Tabuai-Fidow to be given the nod to replace Ponga. Slater has the option of shifting Tabuai-Fidow to the back and bringing in a new winger - most likely Murray Taulagi from the Cowboys. In his final audition for the Origin role on Saturday, Walsh would have impressed Slater with a try assist, four tackle-breaks and 126 running metres in the Broncos' win over the Warriors. But Tabuai-Fidow blew him out of the water with a stunning four-try masterpiece as the Dolphins thrashed South Sydney. The Hammer had a whopping 22 runs for 263 metres, breaking seven tackles and crossing the line four times. Many believe he's Queensland's best fullback option (even when Ponga is fit) and he made himself the No.1 option with his performance on Saturday night. Tabuai-Fidow has scored 11 tries in nine games for Queensland, but has only ever played centre or wing in State of Origin. He was brilliant in Game 1 of last year's series when he moved to fullback after Walsh was concussed. Speaking after Saturday night's game, the Hammer declared he wants the No.1 jersey for Origin 3. "To have that No.1 on my back, would be super special for me," he said. "You think about the players that have worn that No.1 jersey (before me) and given it all. It's a bit of chop and change (after playing centre and wing already this series) but I'm comfortable with it. It's my preferred (position) and a good opportunity for me after playing fullback at club-land week in, week out." Walsh is hoping to add to his five State of Origin appearances for Queensland, and got the backing of his Broncos teammates and coach on Saturday. The 22-year-old is still sporting some heavy strapping on his knee after a six-week layoff recently, but Pat Carrigan reckons he's all good. "His knee looked good, he's done the work, ready to go and there's an opportunity," Carrigan said. "He's growing. He's still only 22 or whatever but he's playing tough for us and we're really appreciating what he's doing. He does what he does and they try to nail him every week so I know he'll be up for it." Broncos and NSW player Payne Haas said: "One hundred per cent (Walsh should be picked). He can do a job for them and he should be there." RELATED: Cobbo twist as Dolphins player makes immediate move to Roosters Stunning development for Billy Slater and family before Origin 3 While Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds declared: "I'm a Blue next Wednesday but I'd love to see him in that arena. He belongs in that arena. It certainly would give the Blues a few headaches and things to think about." On social media, fans weren't as convinced about Walsh. The general consensus is Tabuai-Fidow might get the nod, and a poll of over 12,000 Yahoo readers has the Hammer as the overwhelming preferred option. Just as Walsh got the jersey, Hammer just snatched it off him. Taulagi will be the decider — Kevs Tips (@tipsfromkev) June 28, 2025 QLD Maroons Game 3 backline (if they're actually serious about winning)1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow2. Xavier Coates3. Robert Toia4. Gehamat Shibasaki5. Valentine Holmes — NRL Silverback (@NRLSilverback) June 28, 2025 Yep!!! I think in terms of an actual fullback Walsh makes more sense. But for the overall team maybe Murray / Hammer. I wouldn't be mad either way — JG (@Jaiggg_) June 28, 2025 Hammer by a country mileWalsh still got a massive strapping for his knee — Kai Tangata (@PTMLSM91) June 28, 2025 Hammer is the best fullback in the league. — Mark Pickering (@markoid63) June 28, 2025
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Four-try Hammer's hand up to join Maroons fullback club
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has backed up his actions by declaring himself ready to be the next Queensland fullback as coach Billy Slater mulls his options for the State of Origin decider. Kalyn Ponga's foot injury suffered on Friday night has ruled the Newcastle No.1 out of next Wednesday's third game in Sydney. The contenders queued on Saturday, with 2024 custodian Reece Walsh in fine form for Brisbane before Dolphins whiz Tabuai-Fidow scored four times in his 100th NRL game to oust South Sydney. Walsh has battled soreness in his heavily strapped knee to stake his claims in what would be a straight swap with Ponga. STOP... Hammer time 🔨 — The Dolphins (@dolphinsnrl) June 28, 2025 But the other option would be to shift Tabuai-Fidow and call in North Queensland winger Murray Taulagi. Tabuai-Fidow has scored 11 tries in nine games for Queensland but played either centre or wing in all of those. Slater will name his squad on Monday, when they will again gather at their Sunshine Coast training base. "To have that No.1 on my back, would be super special for me," Tabuai-Fidow said after his sizzling milestone performance. "You think about the players that have worn that No.1 jersey (before me) and given it all. "It's a bit of chop and change (after playing centre and wing already this series) but I'm comfortable with it; it's my preferred and a good opportunity for me after playing fullback at club-land week in, week out." Walsh has played five Origins, all at fullback, and won the backing of his Broncos teammates after their third-straight win on Saturday. "His knee looked good, he's done the work, ready to go and there's an opportunity," Brisbane and Maroons forward Pat Carrigan said. "He's growing; he's still only 22 or whatever but he's playing tough for us and we're really appreciating what he's doing. "He does what he does and they try to nail him every week so I know he'll be up for it." Walsh copped some heavy attention in last year's Origin series and Blues prop Haas, fresh off playing alongside him on Saturday, said nothing would change if he was recalled. "It's State of Origin, you go after each other," he said. "One hundred per cent, he can do a job for them and he should be there." The Blues muted Queensland in an 18-6 win in Brisbane before the Maroons held off a NSW comeback to win 26-24 in Perth to level the series. "It'll be free flowing, the lungs will be burning and it'll be on," Carrigan said. "Decider footy, well and truly a cracking game."
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Bombshell for Queensland after fullback Kalyn Ponga is ruled out of Origin decider with a foot injury
Kalyn Ponga is out of the State of Origin series decider, after scans confirmed the Queensland superstar suffered a Lisfranc injury. Newcastle confirmed on Saturday morning that Ponga was set for a lengthy stint out, less than 12 hours after picking up a foot complaint in the loss to Canberra. Ponga's injury will potentially open the door for Reece Walsh to return to the Queensland No.1 jersey, after his own return to form for Brisbane. 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-two win in Perth had offered Billy Slater the prospect of keeping the team intact for Sydney. Newcastle said in a statement on Saturday that Ponga would begin rehabilitation, 'with the view to 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 sustained 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 in Perth against the Dolphins. Fletcher Hunt could now be the man to fill in for Ponga. For Queensland, it is also a mega blow.
ABC News
a day ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Kalyn Ponga out of Queensland's State of Origin decider as Knights confirm serious foot injury
Kalyn Ponga is out of the State of Origin series decider after scans confirmed the Queensland superstar has suffered a Lisfranc injury. Newcastle said on Saturday morning Ponga was set for a lengthy stint out, less than 12 hours after picking up the foot injury in the loss to Canberra. Ponga's injury will potentially open the door for Reece Walsh to return to the Queensland number one jersey, after his own return to form for Brisbane. The Maroons' other option would be to shift Hamiso Tabulation to fullback, after the Dolphins full-back played centre and wing in the first two games. Tabuai-Fidow's move would not be simple, 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-two win in Perth had offered Billy Slater the prospect of keeping the team intact for Sydney. Newcastle said in a statement on Saturday that Ponga would begin rehabilitation, "with the view to 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 full-back 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 full-backs in the competition, Ponga has been restricted to eight games starting for the Maroons since first wearing the jersey in 2019. AAP
Daily Telegraph
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
NRL news: State of Origin alarm bells as Kalyn Ponga ruled out, Reece Walsh put on notice, latest Queensland Maroons, NSW Blues team news
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Queensland star Kalyn Ponga is out of the State of Origin decider in a massive blow for Billy Slater's men. The Knights captain left the field in distress in the 60th minute of Newcastle's narrow 22-18 loss to the Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. He was seen after the game in a moon boot and will go for scans over the weekend for what is believed to be a Lisfranc injury. If it is confirmed as a Lisfranc his season will be over. But what is for certain is he won't be part of Slater's side for the series decider in just over a week. If a midfoot sprain is confirmed, the best-case scenario would see the Knights star sidelined for two to six weeks. Reece Walsh will likely replace Kalyn Ponga in the State of Origin decider. (Photo by) But if it is as feared and scans reveal it is a high-grade injury, the 27-year-old would require surgery and would miss the remainder of the NRL season – a massive blow to the Knights' slim chances of playing finals footy in 2025. It comes after the fullback suffered a Lisfranc injury last season on his opposite foot, which required surgery and saw him miss 11 weeks of football. Kalyn Ponga injury opens door for Reece Walsh Origin recall Ponga's injury has opened the door for Reece Walsh to earn an Origin call-up. Walsh will line up against the Warriors on Saturday afternoon and a strong display will all but certainly see him recalled by Slater. While Dolphins star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is another fullback option for Slater, but that move appears less likely. Walsh has played five Origin games and if not being out with a knee injury early in the season, many believe he would have been Slater's preferred No.1. Walsh's knee is still far from right with the fullback seen limping on several occasions during the Broncos' 34-28 comeback win over Cronulla last week. However, the 22-year-old says it is getting better each week. 'It's good, I was trying to hide it (laughs),' Walsh said of his knee. 'It's a work in progress. I am still trying to get used to the feel of it.' NSW will have a home-ground advantage for the series decider, which will take place at Sydney's Accor Stadium on Wednesday, July 9. Originally published as Kalyn Ponga ruled out of State of Origin decider as Reece Walsh set to be recalled
