Newcastle Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga is in line to make his State of Origin debut after being named in the Maroons' 18-man squad for Sunday night's game two, with Anthony Milford missing the cut at the team announcement.
Coach Kevin Walters named his squad today after a weekend that featured injury concerns to a host of key players.
While both named in the squad, Billy Slater (hamstring) and Dylan Napa (ankle) will be given until Wednesday to prove their fitness.
Game one fullback Michael Morgan is unavailable due to a biceps injury.
Ponga took Milford's place in the squad, with Walters indicating the 20-year-old's form was too good to ignore.
"He's been playing some good football for Newcastle Knights this year and knocking on the door; very close in game one and we expect to have him in game two," the coach said.
"We've got some plans about how we want to use him, [he's] going to be a long-term player for us and [we're] grateful we've got him into the side this time around."
Walters said Slater was "right to go" but would need to train well on Wednesday to cement his place at the back, where he will replace Morgan.
The make-up of the pack will depend on how well Napa recovers this week, with in-form Tim Glasby waiting in the wings after missing the series-opening 22-12 loss to NSW.
Ponga is expected to start off the bench, with chairman of selectors Gene Miles saying the nature of the game will dictate exactly what kind of role he plays.
