‘Gotta love him’: Ponga laughs off beef with Origin teammate
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Kalyn Ponga has laughed off any potential beef with Maroons teammate Cameron Munster after the pair had a fiery run-in last Friday night.
The two superstars were involved in a stoush when Ponga’s Knights faced off against Munster’s Storm and the latter got the last laugh in a 32-30 win, just days before they came together in State of Origin camp.
Cameron Munster shoves Kalyn Ponga to the ground. .
Munster ran in and pushed Ponga, leading to a scuffle between the two teams.
Queensland coach Billy Slater was unfazed about any dramas between two of his most important players, saying they would be “all good” and claimed the pair “would have had a laugh about it” following the round 14 clash.
Speaking to media on the first day of Origin camp, Ponga towed a similar line when asked about the incident, putting it down to Munster’s competitiveness.
“You’ve gotta love him, don’t you? He’s a competitor and I knew exactly what [he’s like], I’ve played against him so many times over the years,” the fullback said.
“He’s trying to inspire his team and they won the game, so it’s 1-0 to Munny.
“I wasn’t [shocked] to be honest, it’s Munny - I’d be shocked if he wasn’t in there. I could tell from the start of the game that he wanted that and he was laughing at me earlier in the game, which I don’t think anyone saw.
“That’s when Munny is at his best. Unfortunately, I was on the other side of that.”
Ponga and Munster have appeared alongside each other for the Maroons plenty of times over the years, including in last month’s series opener.
In that match, Ponga was sent off for a shoulder charge on Tolu Koula - a moment that caused plenty of debate and ultimately cost Queensland the game.
The 28-year-old found himself in hot water again against the Storm when he was penalised for a similar tackle, but avoided suspension.
Ponga said he was taking “accountability” for his questionable tackling technique and revealed he would speak to coach Slater about ways to improve.
“I wasn’t too worried [about the tackle against Melbourne], but you just don’t know at the moment,” the 2023 Dally M winner said.
“I was definitely relieved to be able to be back in this camp for sure. I need to acknowledge that I can be better in moments.
“Obviously what happened in game one, whether right or wrong, I put my team in a certain position and moving forward … I don’t want that to happen.
Kalyn Ponga is sent off during the State of Origin opener. Getty Images
“I think there’s definitely some accountability on my end. It’s tough, it’s a position that happens in a split second and I’m running as fast as I can and someone else is running as fast as they can to a corner, so it’s not the most clear and easy thing to do, but I do acknowledge that I need to be better.
“I’ll have a chat with Billy and nut some of that out. For me, it’s just getting to the position earlier and steady my feet to get in a better position. I’ve got someone who was the best in the game and hopefully I can learn some things from him.”
Slater named his Maroons squad for game two on Monday, with a handful of changes headlined by the return of Reece Walsh on the bench.
While it’s unclear what role he will play - if any - Ponga said he was relishing the chance to train alongside a fellow superstar fullback at Origin level.
“He’s a superstar isn’t he? It’s exciting to have him back in camp,” Ponga said.
“We all know what he can do on the field and he’s an infectious person off the field. There’s mutual respect and understanding that you have to earn this jersey.
“He’s got it over me [in the past], but obviously I’ve been lucky enough to wear it. Whatever is best for the state, we both understand that.
“He’s already asking me things and giving me tips and stuff like that.
“He’s pretty fearless, he goes after the game and has all the attributes in terms of skill, but also mindset.
“We saw it last year in the finals, he was on another level.”
Walsh told meda it would be “pretty scary” for NSW to contain both himself and Ponga at the same time, should they end up on the field together.
The speedster also got into an awkward exchange with a reporter over his form in club land with Brisbane during their five-game losing streak.
“I think the only opinion that matters is you guys [the media] ... what do you think of it?,” Walsh said.
“It’s all right. I’m just looking forward to working here in Queensland and putting my best foot forward and do my best throughout the week.”
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will make his Origin debut in game two, Murray Taulagi has been recalled on the six-man bench and Heilum Luki will act as 20th man.
Reece Walsh has been recalled for game two. NRL Imagery
