Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga has vowed not to put his team in a similar situation again after being sent off for a tackle gone wrong in Game One.
Ready to take his place in the No.1 jersey for the must-win game in Melbourne next Wednesday, Ponga also acknowledged that he “can be better” when it comes to defending his tryline.
Ponga sent off
Sent off by referee Ashley Klein for a shoulder charge tackle in his attempt to stop Blues winger Tolu Koula in the series opener, Ponga left his team a player down with 23 minutes to play.
That proved to be just enough time for NSW to overcome their 20-6 deficit and steal a win in the final moments.
“I think I definitely need to acknowledge that I can be better in moments,” Ponga said.
“What happened in Game One, whether right or wrong, I still put my team in a certain position.
“I think moving forward in my career, not only this game, but every game that I play from now on, I don't want that to happen.
“I think there's definitely some accountability on my end.
“It is tough, it's a position that happens in a split second; I'm running as fast as I can, someone else is running as fast as they can to a corner, and it's not the most clear, easy thing to do.
“But I do acknowledge I need to be better for sure.”
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When asked how he’d address his technique in similar situations that could arise when defending in the future, Ponga said he’s turn to his coach Billy Slater, who performed as a fullback at the highest level for the Storm, Queensland and Australia.
“I think I'll definitely take the opportunity to have a chat with him and just see what he says,” Ponga said.
“I think I'll have a chat with Billy and hopefully nut some of that out.
“I think for me, it's just getting to the position earlier so that way I can steady my feet and be in a better position.
“But I've got someone that … was the best in the game, and hopefully I can learn some things from him for sure.”
Given the close scoreline and the nature of the Game One loss in Sydney, Ponga said it helped fire him up for the task ahead.
“I think that's the beauty of Origin, it's such a passionate game, sport, everyone loves it, everyone talks about it.
“I think that's why we're so lucky to be in this position playing, but in terms of my role and this game coming forward, it doesn't make my role change.
“I still want to do my role for the team, so that's what I'll be focusing on throughout this week.
“New week, new prep, new game in Melbourne, lots to look forward to (and) obviously a lot to learn from that first game.
“But to be back in camp's exciting.
“Playing for Queensland on the biggest stage in front of that definitely fires me up.”
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 2 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
A record crowd is set to pack into the MCG for Game Two of the State of Origin series. Tickets are selling fast, so click here to get yours before they sell out.
