Slater's verdict on Maroons role for 'dejected' Ponga

Billy Slater has responded to questions about the inclusion of Kalyn Ponga as a mentor in Queensland’s upcoming State of Origin camp, revealing he doesn’t think the Maroons will “go down that path.”

Ponga was ruled out of the 2024 Origin series after suffering a Lisfranc injury during the Knights clash with the Bulldogs in round seven.

The Newcastle star was a leading contender to don the No.1 jersey for the Maroons, with incumbent fullback Reece Walsh now a near certainty to retain the position.

Last week Maroons selector Darren Lockyer told Wide World of Sports’ QLDER he believes Queensland will look to incorporate Ponga in the Origin camp in an external leadership role, a suggestion coach Slater has now shut down.

“Look I haven’t really thought about that to be honest,” Slater said on Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast.

“I think Kalyn’s priority is probably to get his injury right to get himself back playing football.

“It’s certainly been done before. I’ve actually even done it before as a player, I’ve gone into Origin camp and helped out where I could.

“We probably wouldn’t go down that path this year but it’s certainly something to think about for sure.”