Ponga Dodges Ban for Send-Off That Impacted Origin Result

Kalyn Ponga has avoided suspension for the shoulder charge that resulted in his send-off from the State of Origin series opener and doomed Queensland to a 22-20 loss.

Ponga on Wednesday night became just the seventh player sent off in 45 years of Origin, for collecting New South Wales rookie Tolu Koula high with 22 minutes to go in Sydney.

With the Maroons leading 20-6 at the time, they surrendered the lead as the Blues claimed the biggest comeback in Origin history to win.

Ponga protested his innocence, but was told by referee Ashley Klein that it was a “shoulder charge” with “direct contact to the head.”

But the match review committee charge sheet somewhat vindicated Ponga, who was cited for a grade-two shoulder charge.

In a regular National Rugby League (NRL) game, that would come with a two-game ban.

But given a difference in loading for Origin matches, Ponga escapes with a fine that equates to 23 percent of his match fee.

A grade-three shoulder charge would have wiped him out of Origin II with a three-week ban.

Queensland coach Billy Slater refused to weigh into the decision after the match.

“We can argue all we want, I haven’t got any problems with it,” he said.

“[Kalyn’s] OK, he feels he’s let his team down. They happen at the back. I played that position, I know how it is.

“Spur of the moment, it was wet out there. Those things happen. I thought it was a courageous effort (from the team). I’m heartbroken for them.”

Maroons captain Cameron Munster indicated he felt Ponga was unlucky.

“I thought it might have been head on head with the split on KP’s ear, but the referee and bunker saw it differently,” Munster said.

“It is what it is.”

Never in Origin history has a call had such a significant impact on a match.

Five of the previous send-offs have come late in the game, having little bearing on the result.

The last man sent off, Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii, was given his marching orders in the eighth minute of the 2024 series opener, prompting a heavy Blues defeat.

But this was an even bigger call.

After Koula broke into space down the left edge, Ponga rushed across in cover and collected the Manly flyer as he was being brought down by Sam Walker.

Klein conferred with bunker official Chris Butler, telling him he believed it should be a send off before ending Ponga’s night.

NSW then steadily gained momentum off the back of several six-agains, scoring three times in the final 18 minutes to take the victory at Accor Stadium.

Ponga had been one of the Maroons’ best as they shot out to a 20-0 lead after 21 minutes, looking threatening from the opening touches.

Koula, meanwhile, won’t play again until game two with both of Manly’s next two matches coming in the next eight days.

By Scott Bailey and Jasper Bruce in Sydney.