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Now there’s an opportunity for both to be picked – and potentially be on the field at the same time.
“Having the option as a coach and depending on how the game’s unfolding, having an optional player – either a forward or back … it gives you a bit more flexibility,” Ponga, who has played for Queensland 10 times since debuting in 2018, said.
Reece Walsh in action for Queensland.Credit: Getty Images
“That is pretty exciting. I want to be there, I always want to be in that arena. If we’re playing good footy at the time and there’s a possibility for us to both be on the field, obviously it’s going to be exciting.”
The Maroons will have the opportunity to pick a side that includes attacking weapons such as Ponga or Brisbane star Ezra Mam if they are chasing points, or a defensive specialist if they are trying to protect a lead.
Likewise, NSW could turn to an interchange bench that includes the likes of Canberra half Ethan Strange or Rabbitoh Latrell Mitchell as injury cover or strike weapons once the game opens up.
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Ponga will be pressing his claims in a Newcastle team that has undergone major changes. Coach Justin Holbrook has replaced Adam O’Brien, while the arrival of former Parramatta playmaker Dylan Brown gives the spine a new focal point.
There will be intense pressure on Ponga and Brown – paid about $2.6 million per annum between them – to turn around the fortunes of the wooden spooners. However, both have a reputation as laid-back figures unaffected by outside noise.
“He’s been my roomie when we had a camp, and he makes me stressed, so I can imagine how I must have made people feel back in the day,” Ponga quipped.
“I think I’ve gotten better over the years, but definitely he is a bit like me … a pretty cruisy, calm sort of character, but he competes on everything. He’s pretty hungry and he’s elite. To be honest, he’s been awesome.”
Ponga conceded it was up to himself and Brown to provide the Knights with bang for their back.
“We both need to step up,” he said. “As the spine members in general, it’s our job to get the boys around the park and also ice opportunities, be in big moments.
“At the same time it is a privilege to be in that position to represent this club and have that responsibility.”
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