sport news How Kalyn Ponga dropped a State of Origin bombshell on Queensland coach Billy ... trends now
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It was widely assumed that incumbent Queensland Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga had been dumped for the 2023 State of Origin series, but the Newcastle skipper has now made the shocking confession that he stood himself down.
The decision to stick with Ponga despite a horror run of concussions and head knocks or to choose Brisbane Broncos livewire Reece Walsh was one of the biggest decisions tabled to Queensland coach Billy Slater.
However Ponga, who suffered his fourth head knock in 10 months during Newcastle's NRL win over Wests Tigers on March 12, revealed he made the tough decision to focus on club rather than his state this year.
Asked if he had made himself unavailable for selection this year, Ponga said: 'Yes, it is true I have told Billy that I need to focus on Newcastle at the moment.'
'I reached out to him earlier in the week to let him know and wish him luck,' he added.
'I love Queensland and the Maroons jersey but I need to play more games and be on the field for Newcastle at the moment. It was a really difficult decision to make but I will fight to win back my place in the Queensland side next year.'
Ponga has revealed that he withdrew himself from the 2023 State of Origin series to focus on his health and Newcastle
After four head knocks in 10 months, Ponga was sent for yet another HIA in his return match for the Knights
