Ponga and Walsh could be picked for Maroons under NRL rule changes

3 days ago 3

Knights skipper Kalyn Ponga has spoken about the prospect of playing alongside Reece Walsh for the Maroons after the NRL confirmed its rule changes – including an extended bench – will apply to State of Origin.

There have been four rule changes made for the 2026 season, with the expansion of the interchange bench from four to six holding the most strategic significance. The adjustments were initially made for the NRL premiership, with head office on Tuesday confirming they will also apply to Origin.

Kalyn Ponga could be part of an extended Maroons bench.

Interstate football has traditionally showcased the 34 best players in the game, but that number will swell to 38 this year.

“Traditionally, the rule changes that we make for the premiership then transfer into State of Origin,” said NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo at the launch of the season in Sydney.

“So I think it’s fair to say that these rule changes will apply throughout the season, including State of Origin. That means there will be some exciting opportunities for players to potentially make their debut in Origin on an expanded bench.

“The State of Origin squads are bigger than the match-day squads, so there are players who are training in that squad.

“Instead of them exiting out of that squad or watching from the sidelines, they’ll be watching on the bench and potentially participating in the match.”

One of the biggest beneficiaries could be Ponga. Previously, Queensland coach Billy Slater has had to make the agonising decision whether to select Ponga or Walsh as his fullback.

Now there’s an opportunity for both to be picked - and potentially be on the field at the same time.

“Having the option as a coach and depending on how the game’s unfolding, having an optional player - either a forward or back … it gives you a bit more flexibility,” Ponga, who has played for Queensland 10 times since debuting in 2018, said.

“That is pretty exciting. I want to be there, I always want to be in that arena. If we’re playing good footy at the time and there’s a possibility for us to both be on the field, obviously it’s going to be exciting.”

The Maroons will have the opportunity to pick a side that includes attacking weapons such as Ponga or Brisbane star Ezra Mam if they are chasing points, or a defensive specialist if they are trying to protect a lead.

Likewise, NSW could turn to an interchange bench that includes the likes of Canberra half Ethan Strange or Rabbitoh Latrell Mitchell as injury cover or strike weapons once the game opens up.

Ponga will be pressing his claims in a Newcastle team that has undergone major changes. Coach Justin Holbrook has replaced Adam O’Brien, while the arrival of former Parramatta playmaker Dylan Brown gives the spine a new focal point.

There will be intense pressure on Ponga and Brown - paid about $2.6 million per annum between them - to turn around the fortunes of the wooden spooners. However, both have a reputation as laid-back figures unaffected by outside noise.

“He’s been my roomie when we had a camp, and he makes me stressed, so I can imagine how I must have made people feel back in the day,” Ponga quipped.

“I think I’ve gotten better over the years, but definitely he is a bit like me … a pretty cruisy, calm sort of character, but he competes on everything. He’s pretty hungry and he’s elite. To be honest, he’s been awesome.”

Ponga conceded it was up to himself and Brown to provide the Knights with bang for their back.

“We both need to step up,” he said. “As the spine members in general, it’s our job to get the boys around the park and also ice opportunities, be in big moments.

“At the same time it is a privilege to be in that position to represent this club and have that responsibility.”