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Kalyn Ponga relishing chance to play under ex-fullback Billy Slater
By AAP
Billy Slater’s Kalyn Ponga project is going as planned after the new coach oversaw the fullback’s best game in a Queensland jersey.
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In a crowded field of high performers, the Newcastle captain still stood out in Wednesday’s 16-10 State of Origin win.
He combined slick offence with huge defence, including a one-on-one tackle to stop charging Blues lock Isaah Yeo just short of the line in the final seconds.
Injury has restricted Ponga to just four of a possible 11 Origins since his 2018 debut but he’s now poised to leave his fingerprints all over a series under the guidance of 31-Origin veteran and rookie coach Slater.
“It was an awesome week, (Slater was) very hands on and the debutants brought a lot of energy,” Ponga said.
“I’d always just spoken on the phone to Billy, so to be hands on with him for a whole week is pretty cool.
“He’s still the best fullback and for me to just be able to suck some of his knowledge from his brain is awesome.
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“He’s getting the best out of everyone and for me it’s about squeezing as much information out of him as I can.”
Slater insisted he had no concerns over Ponga’s place in the side despite the Knights’ poor form this NRL season and pressure from Warriors young gun Reece Walsh.
The 24-year-old says he has developed a firmer grasp of what Origin means as he hopes to repay that faith.
“I’d like to think (I’ve come) a fair way,” he said.
“I look back on my debut and I was just a kid that didn’t know anything, just full of confidence and excitement.
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“I’m a little older now and just to want to get the most out of it.
“I’m not here to lose and that last 12, 15 minutes, there were moments to be won and we come up with some big efforts.”
