Kalyn Ponga this year has shown what a talent he is, with NSW coach Brad Fittler stating he is the best young player he has ever seen.
Ponga, at the age of just 20, made his State of Origin debut on Sunday night and was just what Queensland needed with his injection of speed and enthusiasm.
If it wasn't for the try saving tackle of the year by James Tedesco, Ponga looked set to score in the 69th to level the scores and give the Maroons a chance to hit the lead.
Even as the opposition coach, Fittler was left amazed by Ponga's brilliant performance.
Like Ponga, Fittler made his Origin debut at a young age, and insists he has made more of an impact compared to any other young gun whose played NRL.
Fittler told the Daily Telegraph the only hindrance to him becoming a great of the game would be handling the hype and fame.
“It’s his first proper year in first grade, and no-one has been as dominant as him,” Fittler said.
“But he now has to deal with all the stuff around that.
“Ponga has to deal with pressure and his ego, but I guess these young kids are so well prepared these days to handle the NRL.
“Kalyn has to learn how to deal with being successful.”
Retiring champion Queensland fullback Billy Slater concurs with Fittler, adding Ponga is a 10-year player for the Maroons.
“For him to be thrown in a foreign position in the middle of the field and come up with some of the tackles he did without the ball, then have the energy to do what he did with the football, what a debut." Slater said.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him. He is willing to listen and willing to learn … he is going to go a long way in this game.”
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