Queensland's hopes of winning the State of Origin series decider have been dealt a massive blow with fullback Kalyn Ponga ruled out with a calf injury.
Newcastle confirmed Ponga had scans on Sunday morning to determine the severity of his calf problem.
The scans showed he has suffered a strain.
Ponga picked up the injury during the second State of Origin week in Perth and sat out the Knights’ 26-12 win over Brisbane as a result.
He is expected to miss the next two weeks.
The QRL is yet to make an official decision on whether he is in or out of the Maroons squad for the July 10 showdown at ANZ Stadium or whether he will be invited into the camp. Kevin Walters is due to name his squad for game three on Monday morning.
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 3 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
The Maroons do not have an obvious fullback replacement at the ready - options could include switching Michael Morgan or Cameron Munster to the No.1 jersey or promoting bench utility Moses Mbye.
Brisbane's Anthony Milford or St George Illawarra's Corey Norman are other alternatives, although there is a cloud over Milford's short-term fitness after he injured a knee late in the round 15 loss to Newcastle.
