Overview

• Official scans have diagnosed Ponga with a Lisfranc injury that rules him out of Origin III and initiates his late-season rehabilitation program.
• Reece Walsh overcame knee soreness to deliver a try assist and a try-saving tackle in Brisbane’s 26-12 win, strengthening his bid to reclaim the Maroons’ fullback spot.
• Shifting Dolphins ace Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback would strain the Maroons’ centre depth given Jack Howarth’s appendicitis and Selwyn Cobbo’s omission.
• With the series locked at 1–1, coach Billy Slater must finalize his selection for the fullback role ahead of the July 9 decider at Accor Stadium.
• Lisfranc injuries typically require four to six weeks of recovery, likely ruling Ponga out of competition until the close of the regular season.