Kalyn Ponga is determined not to let his tackling style put Queensland in a dire situation again as he prepares to make amends at the MCG.
The Maroons were ahead 20-6 in game one of the State of Origin series in Sydney when the Queensland fullback was sent off for a shoulder-to-the-head tackle on NSW winger Tolu Koula.
Queensland played the last 23 minutes with 12 men and were unable to hang on, losing 22-20 to put their series hopes on the line in Melbourne on June 17.
Ponga believed after the game that the Koula incident was “head-on-head” and suffered his own gash to an ear, but took responsibility for his actions when back in Maroons camp on the Sunshine Coast on Tuesday.
“I think I definitely need to acknowledge that I can be better in moments,” Ponga said.
“What happened in game one, whether right or wrong, I still put my team in a certain position, and I think moving forward in my career, not only this game, but every game that I play from now on, I don’t want that to happen.
“I think there’s definitely some accountability on my end.”
Maroons coach Billy Slater, who also played No.1, said after the Sydney loss that he understood Ponga’s predicament and did not lay blame at his feet.
“It is tough, it’s a position that happens in a split second,” Ponga said.
“I’m running as fast as I can, someone else is running as fast as they can to a corner, and it’s not the most clear, easy thing to sort of do.
“But I do acknowledge I need to be better for sure.”
Ponga’s tackling style came under the microscope again in Newcastle’s loss to Melbourne on Friday night when he knocked the ball from winger Will Warbrick’s grasp with his shoulder.
He says he will lean on Slater for tips ahead of the MCG clash.
“I think I’ll have a chat with Billy and hopefully nut some of that out, but I think for me it’s just getting to the position earlier so that way I can sort of steady my feet and be in a better position,” he said.
“But I’ve got someone that’s the best in the game, or was the best in the game, and hopefully I can learn some things from him for sure.”
