After starring for Newcastle in a losing side, Kalyn Ponga says he is comfortable with his decision to withdraw from representing Queensland in this year’s State of Origin series.
Ponga, the incumbent Maroons fullback from last year, watched on as new Maroons No.1 Reece Walsh had a blinder in Queensland's 26-18 win in game one in Adelaide on May 31.
"Regardless of whether (Walsh) played well or not, and he was always going to play well, I was pretty comfortable with my decision," Ponga said after the 24-20 loss to Brisbane on Saturday night where he was the best player on the field.
"I want to enjoy footy. That is my main focus and I am doing that at the Knights."
After concussion complications restricted him to just six NRL games before the Maroons' side was picked for game one, Ponga let Queensland coach Billy Slater know of his decision to sit out this year’s series.
"I gave (Slater) a message and spoke to my old man (Andre)," he said.
"I’d had a rough beginning of the season. Billy actually brought light to this. I had a tough couple of months and footy for me at the moment is just about being out there and playing.
"I owe it to the Knights to do that, and I want to as well. I am enjoying my footy now.
"After having that head knock and all the commotion that came with it I wanted to put that in the past and play footy and enjoy it."
Ponga, who was man of the match in the Origin series decider last year, said Brisbane fullback Walsh deserved his opportunity with Queensland.
"Reece is a quality player. I don’t know why there was any doubt there in the first place," he said.
"Look at the footy he has been playing and you’ve also got to look at who picked him in that (Queensland) team and the faith they have.
"You have got some of the best players in Billy, Cam Smith, JT (Johnathan Thurston). All those brains picked him at fullback. I knew he was going to play well."
Ponga started the season at No.6 but returned to fullback in round 13. He had a classic battle with Walsh at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Both were electrifying for their respective sides. The 25-year-old said staying at fullback was what was best for himself and Newcastle.
"I am enjoying building combinations with the halves. Fullback is the natural position for me," he said.
"I don’t have to think about what I am doing. I just do it. Then I can help other people off that.
"When I was at six I was kind of thinking, ‘What I am supposed to do here?’ I worked so hard to be in that position. I wanted that challenge, but I am a bit more natural at the back."
