EXCLUSIVE: Karl Stefanovic's one Queensland selection that 'terrifies' Andrew Johns
Andrew Johns is "terrified" about the prospect of Kalyn Ponga bouncing off the bench in State of Origin I with a licence to roam.
The legendary Blues halfback is also shuddering at the thought of the NSW media's "shit-bagging" of Cameron Munster steeling him for a blinder.
Karl Stefanovic came off the bench to take Brad Fittler's spot in this week's episode of Nine's Freddy and the Eighth, or Karl and the Eighth.
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And the Today show co-host – a Queenslander and noted Maroons superfan – revealed the team he would pick for the State of Origin opener, taking place at Sydney's Accor Stadium on May 27.
He listed Reece Walsh at fullback – which is hard to dispute given the form the Broncos superstar displayed in Brisbane's premiership-winning charge and Australia's 3-0 Ashes whitewash – and named Ponga in the No.14 jersey.
Nathan Cleary tackles Kalyn Ponga during game one of the 2025 State of Origin series. Getty
Not only is Walsh widely regarded the game's best fullback currently – and considered by some to be the best player of any position – picking Ponga in the No.14 jumper also makes sense because he's more versatile than "Reece Lightning".
As Johns said on Karl and the Eighth, "you can put him anywhere and just let him roam".
"He debuted in 2018. He came on for Jarrod Wallace and played front row and nearly got man of the match," Johns recalled.
"We know he's a special player. He's out and out one of the best players I've ever seen when he's injury-free. He is just incredible.
"Him coming on when everyone's gassed is terrifying.
"Him and Reece together floating around – frightening."
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Walsh suffered a broken cheekbone in a tackle gone wrong in round five of this season and missed three weeks, before making a brilliant return against the Roosters last Saturday night. The 23-year-old scored a try, set up another and generally proved a major headache for the Tricolours in attack, especially as the Broncos threatened to pull off an extraordinary comeback win from 30-0 down.
Ponga, meanwhile, has been phenomenal at fullback for the Knights, who've played some electric rugby league in Justin Holbrook's first season in charge.
Stefanovic noted the stunning Storm slump. They're riding a seven-game losing streak – the first of that length in the club's history – and will be up against Benji Marshall's dangerous Wests Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
Despite the slump, Munster is all but certain to be wearing the iconic Queensland No.6 jumper in Sydney on May 27, alongside Cowboys young gun Tom Dearden at halfback.
"You're talking about the Argentinian No.10 jersey," Johns said.
"There's no more famous jersey in Australian sport than the Queensland No.6.
"And all the NSW media has been shit-bagging Munster. I know his personality – if anyone says you can't do this or you won't do this, he'll be like, 'Yeah, you watch'."
Billy Slater's Maroons are the defending Origin champions, having beaten NSW 24-12 on the Blues' home patch in a decider.
