EXCLUSIVE: Queensland Selector Lockyer Identifies Rising NRL Star Set to Challenge Kalyn Ponga for Maroons Spot

Queensland icon Darren Lockyer has suggested a potential surprise contender for the Maroons’ fullback position, which could see Kalyn Ponga displaced.

Ponga is widely tipped to take the No.1 jersey for the State of Origin opener on May 28.

The battle for the spot was initially seen as a tight contest between him and Broncos’ Reece Walsh, until an injury sidelined Walsh.

However, an unexpected option has been raised by Lockyer, who serves on the selection panel alongside coach Billy Slater and Gene Miles.

During an appearance on Wide World of Sports’ QLDER, he floated the idea of Dolphins flyer Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow potentially stepping in to claim the fullback role.

Tabuai-Fidow has previously participated in all seven Origin matches as a centre for Queensland but plays as a fullback at club level and has been in good form.

Should he switch positions, it would create an opening in the backline that Lockyer believes could be filled by Roosters rookie Robert Toia, who has made nine appearances.

If Toia’s performance compels Slater to select him for his debut, it could lead to Tabuai-Fidow moving to fullback and Ponga being omitted entirely.

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“I believe there are positions in Billy’s mind that remain uncertain, and the choices over the next few weeks may influence who gets selected,” Lockyer explained.

“We’ve talked about the new wave of players coming through. Hypothetically, if you moved Hammer (Tabuai-Fidow), who would step into centre?

“There’s Rob Toia waiting in the wings… it’s all part of the discussions happening now.

“There might be some names listed alongside others, and the upcoming weeks will determine the final selections.”

At just 20 years old, Toia made his NRL debut in the opening round of this season and has shown why the Roosters have high expectations for him.

Originally from New Zealand, he represented Queensland in the under-19s Origin matches and is eligible for both the Maroons and the Kiwis.

It would be a bold move for Slater to select the young talent, who has only a handful of top-level matches under his belt.

However, the coach might be considering a change following last year’s loss of the prestigious shield to New South Wales.

Although Ponga participated in the third match of that series after being initially overlooked, he came off the bench while Walsh retained his fullback role.

Ponga missed the entire 2023 series due to early-season concussion issues.

He was regarded as the top candidate for the job this year until the Knights endured a five-game losing streak and their offensive play drastically faltered, culminating in a mere 36 points over five weeks.

One of the positions Lockyer believes will remain unchanged is halfback, which is currently held by Daly Cherry-Evans, who also serves as captain.

Speculation has circulated that Cherry-Evans could be replaced by in-form Cowboys playmaker Tom Dearden, who may join Cameron Munster in the halves, although both predominantly operate on the left edge.

“After losing the previous series, there’s a bit of pressure everyone feels, but it’s not as if we were embarrassed,” Lockyer noted.

“Billy will be assessing other options regarding team depth. There are certainly players in positions who can feel secure.

“He’s also likely contemplating not just this game and series but what’s on the horizon. This means considering names that may not seem ready but who represent the next generation as well.”

Fellow Maroons legend Wally Lewis concurs that Queensland won’t be parting ways with Cherry-Evans.

Slater is slated to announce his squad for the first game on May 19.