Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga has lifted the lid on his omission from the Maroons squad, stating required shoulder surgery was the only factor in his decision to not play in the series, perย Fox Sports.
Just days after being selected to represent his state for the 2020 series, Ponga was forced to withdraw from Wayne Bennett's squad after it was suggested the 22-year-old underwent surgery for his troubled right shoulder.
NRL 360's Paul Kent suggested โlife in the bubble has worn him downโ and โit was long odds for him to play Origin anywayโ, with Ponga denying any report of the sort.
โJournos, they make anything up and people believe it. When I got my surgery and they saw what was wrong with it, I had advice from people that I trust and Iโm glad I made that decision to get the surgery,โ Ponga said.
โGiven the extent of how bad it was, it could have been pretty costly."
The Newcastle star has been in a shoulder sling until this week after seeing a surgeon on the weekend.
โI got my sling off just today actually. Iโve been in a sling for six weeks so itโs just rehab now and back to hard work,โ Ponga revealed.
The fullback was ecstatic to see the undermanned Maroons gets the job done over New South Wales.
โThe (Queensland) boys got the job done, it was mad. (I was) disappointed, you always want to be in those games. Those are the hardest games in rugby league and thatโs the environment you want to be in," he said.
โI was just happy the boys got the job done, we won and celebrated. Everything around the team, and every person what they went through, it was pretty cool to see.โ
Ponga added to his disappointment, revealing he had hoped to play under Bennett.
โIt would be (cool to play under Bennett), that was something I was looking forward to,โ Ponga said.
โI think Mal (Meninga) was on the coaching staff as well, so to be involved with that would have been really cool.
โI donโt know if (Bennett) is going to be doing it next year, but one day (he might coach me).โ
Childhood friend to Ponga, AJ Brimson, pulled on the No.1 jersey for Queensland for game one, with Ponga stating he looks forward to battling the Titans star for years to come.
โI love him. Every now and then he will text me to say he misses me,โ Ponga said of Brimson.
โI think itโs crazy how far heโs come in the last year to be honest. He was good last year, but to come back and then those last nine games or whatever, heโs a freak, he stood out.
โHeโs just a really good player and itโs cool he will be part of the Queensland system for many years to come, itโs exciting.
โItโs healthy competition. Whoever gets to wear the jersey itโs a privilege and an honour, so Iโm just happy heโs playing good footy and hopefully I can play good footy too.โ