Maroons Coach Slater Unwavering Amidst Grant, Ponga Concerns Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater remains unperturbed by the injury concerns surrounding key players Harry Grant and Kalyn Ponga ahead of the upcoming State of Origin series. Grant, the highly-rated Storm hooker, is nursing a hamstring injury that forced him to miss the NRL’s Magic Round. Ponga, the Knights’ fullback, has been battling a groin issue that has limited his involvement in recent games. Despite the setbacks, Slater expressed confidence in the depth within his squad. “We’re not too concerned about Harry or Kalyn at this stage,” Slater said. “We’re confident they’ll both be fit and firing for Origin.” “We’ve got plenty of quality players who can step up if needed. Corey Norman is a proven performer at hooker, and we have a number of options at fullback, including Valentine Holmes and Xavier Coates.” Slater acknowledged that the injuries were a “minor inconvenience,” but he stressed that he would not be rushing either player back into action. “Their health and well-being is our priority,” he said. “We’re not going to take any unnecessary risks. We want them to be 100% fit for Origin.” The Maroons will face the New South Wales Blues in the series opener on Wednesday, June 8th. Slater believes his team has what it takes to retain the shield, despite the challenges they may face. “We’ve got a strong team with plenty of experience,” he said. “We’re confident we can give the Blues a run for their money.” The injury concerns surrounding Grant and Ponga have added an element of uncertainty to the Maroons’ preparations, but Slater remains steadfast in his belief that his team will be ready to give their all when the whistle blows on Wednesday night.Queensland coach Billy Slater is considering the fitness of Harry Grant and Kalyn Ponga for the State of Origin decider, despite Grant’s sternum injury and Ponga’s recent return from a foot injury.Queensland coach Billy Slater is considering the fitness of Harry Grant and Kalyn Ponga for the State of Origin decider, despite Grant’s sternum injury and Ponga’s recent return from a foot injury. Slater is satisfied with Selwyn Cobbo’s recovery from injury and believes all other incumbent Queensland representatives who played in Origin II are fit and available. Grant, who was rested from Melbourne’s first game after Origin II due to his sternum injury, and subsequently sat out their loss to Wests Tigers, has not yet been ruled out by Slater. Ponga, who played his first game in 11 weeks on Sunday, is also under consideration for the bench utility role previously filled by Cobbo in Origin I. Slater believes Ponga’s past contributions to the Queensland team and his current fitness level make him a strong candidate. Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien supports Ponga’s potential selection, stating that he is physically fit and deserving of the opportunity. Lindsay Collins, Jaydn Su’A, and Ben Hunt, who played in Origin II, are also fit and available following Sydney Roosters’ victory over St George Illawarra. Cobbo, who missed Origin II due to injuries, is considered a potential replacement for the injured Xavier Coates in the Maroons’ backline, as is veteran Dane Gagai. Slater indicated that injured NSW center Latrell Mitchell’s withdrawal from the team will not influence his selection process.North Queensland coach Paul Slater says he is not concerned about the form and fitness of Kalyn Ponga and Cameron Munster heading into the State of Origin series opener. Ponga has been battling a groin injury, while Munster has been in and out of the Melbourne Storm side with a knee problem. However, Slater said he was confident both players would be fit and firing for the series opener on June 9. “I’m not too worried about them,” Slater said. “They’re both quality players and they know what it takes to perform at Origin level. “I’m sure they’ll be ready to go.” Ponga has been in impressive form for the Knights this season, scoring seven tries in 10 games. Munster has also been in good touch for the Storm, scoring four tries in eight games. The Maroons will be hoping both players can continue their good form into the Origin series. Queensland will be looking to win their first series since 2017, while New South Wales will be looking to win their third straight series.