While Kalyn Ponga sees himself as competitor who won’t ever back down from a challenge – he is also one that enjoys the comforts of home.
When in Maroon – his home is at fullback – and for the series opener, he is back in the number one jersey after missing last year’s decider through injury.
There was plenty of conjecture around his selection for this series, with players like Game Three incumbent Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Australia Kangaroos Ashes winner Reece Walsh in the mix, and a suggestion he might even play halfback.
Ponga: 'I'll play anywhere for Queensland'
However, since his return from a hamstring injury in Round 9, his form at fullback has been undeniable, even though he did have the confidence he could pull on the number seven jersey in one of the game’s toughest arenas.
“I got asked a few times about where I want to play and my answer was always as a competitor, obviously as a fullback, I want to be in my position, so for Billy to have that faith in me, it means a lot,” Ponga said.
“I know what I'm like, if that [playing halfback] was the challenge that was ahead of me, I would have tuned in and got my head on and focused on it and prepared it as best as I can.
“But I don't have to worry about that now, so I can nail my role and prepare the best I can in my role.”
Ponga’s challenge now is to combine well with the man who was in fact selected to play halfback in Sam Walker, whose unpredictable style has the Māori All Stars representative excited to see what’s ahead.
The Maroons held their first official training session at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Wednesday, giving Ponga, Walker and Storm spine duo hooker Harry Grant and five-eighth Cameron Munster time to gel.
“He's a footy player, he’s got great instincts, he plays what he sees, he's an eyes up footy player,” Ponga said of Walker.
“He's not very systematic and I think the way the game's going these days, that's the sort of footy that we all enjoy seeing, we enjoy watching,
“I'm excited even to just train with him and just see how he operates, but hopefully we can put it all together in nine days' time.”
While focused on the task ahead at Accor Stadium, Ponga also fielded questions about further representative honours at season’s end, with new international eligibility rules seeing him and fellow Kiwi-pledged player Briton Nikora able represent both parts of their heritage.
“I'm very grateful for the opportunity, didn't think that that opportunity would arise … grateful that I can take it,” Ponga said.
“My job (here) obviously is to wear this (Queensland jersey) proud, represent Queensland proud and I'm not sure if I'll get to wear the Kiwi jersey, but at least it's an option.
“I want to represent this jersey the way I know I can.
“(The new rules are) going to open up, obviously Origin and the international game as well.
“(But) if you spend a large portion of your life in Queensland, it obviously means a lot to you.”
Preparing to feature in his 11th Origin, Ponga admitted to still experiencing nerves when it came to being in camp and being coached by one of the game’s former greats.
“You get nervous still,” Ponga said of reuniting with Slater.
“I get nervous coming in here; nervous, excited … and also being around other players and other ex-players, there's just a lot of quality people in these camps that you can learn from on and off the field.
“It's the beauty of having the nine-day camp is you spend so much time together which is a special part about it for sure.
“I remember when I was young, just trying to soak up everything, still am.”
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