Kalyn Ponga says he will thrive off the controlled chaos that Cameron Munster creates as the pair conspire to forge a combination that can see off NSW in next week's Origin opener.
This will be the first time Ponga plays in his favoured fullback position in Origin after he was thrown into the middle of the park in his debut in Game III last year.
That effort was impressive enough but he heads into this series in sizzling form for the Newcastle Knights and ready to showcase his wares in the No.1 jumper left vacant by retired champion Billy Slater.
He's back: Kalyn Ponga in action for the Maroons last year . . . this time he's in a more familiar role.Credit:AAP
James Tedesco was a marvel at fullback for the Blues last year but the Maroons now bring a young gamebreaker of their own to the table in Ponga, whose short-lived experiment at five-eighth for the Knights this season means he has been able to hit his straps at fullback in time for the Origin campaign.
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Now he must find a way to work some magic alongside Munster, who can be an unpredictable playmaker and tends to bounce out of tackles like a pinball as he schemes around the left edge.
"Ill just have to feed off him. It's crazy what he can do with the ball, so any time I can get around him and get the ball off him it will be strong for us," Ponga said.
"I am looking forward to Chez on the other side and just floating around and playing both sides.”
Slater used to combine with his decorated playmakers like a well-oiled machine. Ponga may take a little longer to find his feet outside Munster but he doesn't want him to curb his tendency to play what he sees and bend the structures when needed.
If he wants to run and bounce around then I am happy for him to do it.
Kalyn Ponga on Cameron Munster
“I want him to do that. When he does that he is terrifying to them. He is terrifying to me when he does it for the Storm. I hate it," Ponga said.
"We have got shape and if we go through with the shape it's easy to get our timing. If he wants to run and bounce around then I am happy for him to do it. Anyone would be happy, except the other team.”
"It's crazy what he can do": Kalyn Ponga is a big fan of Cameron Munster.Credit:Glenn Hunt
Ponga's assignment off the bench last year was vastly different from his job next Wednesday night. Unconventional as it was, he said he took great confidence from a memorable debut that saw him moonlight as a middle forward.
"I went into the game and I had a job Read More – Source
Kalyn Ponga says he will thrive off the controlled chaos that Cameron Munster creates as the pair conspire to forge a combination that can see off NSW in next week's Origin opener.
This will be the first time Ponga plays in his favoured fullback position in Origin after he was thrown into the middle of the park in his debut in Game III last year.
That effort was impressive enough but he heads into this series in sizzling form for the Newcastle Knights and ready to showcase his wares in the No.1 jumper left vacant by retired champion Billy Slater.
He's back: Kalyn Ponga in action for the Maroons last year . . . this time he's in a more familiar role.Credit:AAP
James Tedesco was a marvel at fullback for the Blues last year but the Maroons now bring a young gamebreaker of their own to the table in Ponga, whose short-lived experiment at five-eighth for the Knights this season means he has been able to hit his straps at fullback in time for the Origin campaign.
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Now he must find a way to work some magic alongside Munster, who can be an unpredictable playmaker and tends to bounce out of tackles like a pinball as he schemes around the left edge.
"Ill just have to feed off him. It's crazy what he can do with the ball, so any time I can get around him and get the ball off him it will be strong for us," Ponga said.
"I am looking forward to Chez on the other side and just floating around and playing both sides.”
Slater used to combine with his decorated playmakers like a well-oiled machine. Ponga may take a little longer to find his feet outside Munster but he doesn't want him to curb his tendency to play what he sees and bend the structures when needed.
If he wants to run and bounce around then I am happy for him to do it.
Kalyn Ponga on Cameron Munster
“I want him to do that. When he does that he is terrifying to them. He is terrifying to me when he does it for the Storm. I hate it," Ponga said.
"We have got shape and if we go through with the shape it's easy to get our timing. If he wants to run and bounce around then I am happy for him to do it. Anyone would be happy, except the other team.”
"It's crazy what he can do": Kalyn Ponga is a big fan of Cameron Munster.Credit:Glenn Hunt
Ponga's assignment off the bench last year was vastly different from his job next Wednesday night. Unconventional as it was, he said he took great confidence from a memorable debut that saw him moonlight as a middle forward.
"I went into the game and I had a job Read More – Source
