Dane Gagai has something to “prove” and fit-again Kalyn Ponga has said he is prepared for the barrage of pressure to come after the Newcastle duo were named in Queensland’s squad for the State of Origin decider.
The Knights teammates will add experience, flair and a certain mystique to a side that was soundly beaten by NSW in Melbourne, with coach Billy Slater forced to make some changes following injuries to incumbent wingers Xavier Coates and Murray Taulagi.
The switch will see Gagai play in the middle, covering clubmate Bradman Best, while Ponga is likely to sit on the bench, taking on an all-round role he held on his Origin debut in 2018.
Gagai, 33, played 22 consecutive games at Origins before being dropped from the squad last year.
“I was thinking about whether I could get the call back,” he said.
“It’s a jersey you never want to give up, but you have to earn it again and again.
“The emotions were more excitement and joy, and I was able to tell my guys that I was back on the team.
“That was the hardest thing for me last year, telling them, because that was all they knew.”
Gagai rejects claims he is “making a move” for Queensland and believes his form at the club speaks for itself.
“I wouldn’t say I’m playing with a grudge, but I want to prove something,” he said.
“I’m not as young as I used to be, but Dalys (Cherry-Evans, 35) is leading the way, the old guys still have it.”
Ponga returned on Sunday after an 11-week layoff due to a foot injury.
“I told him he might need to warm up his shoulders,” Gagai said of Ponga, who would have to make more tackles as a substitute than as a fullback.
“He’s just a football player, and everyone saw that last night … he’s coming back and showing what he can do.”
“I’m excited to see him back in the Maroon jersey and play alongside him. I can’t wait.”
Ponga missed last year’s Origin series due to repeated concussions, but finished the year with the Dally M Medal.
“After the year where I had to go through what I went through with the concussions and almost having to give up, it was a nice way to end the year,” he said Monday.
During the validation, he said he “never really doubted himself.”
“I always wanted to come back to this arena and I will never close that door until I’m old,” said the 26-year-old.
“I wasn’t mentally or physically prepared for this arena (last year) … coming back after everything that was going on … was the best thing for me.”
“I know what this arena requires. I’m going to warm up my shoulders, get in shape and be excited to get out there.”