There’s every chance that Kalyn Ponga will be coached by Darius Boyd in next year’s State of Origin series, which makes it even crazier when you consider the fleet-footed fullback was stepping past the Broncos great a decade ago during his dramatic debut.
The fact Ponga played his first game way back in 2016 makes you question the very concept of time, with just about everything in the world changing apart from his ability to make defenders look silly with a massive left foot step.
It was in the second week of the finals that Ponga – 18 at the time – got called up on the wing for the Cowboys in an all-time classic against the Broncos that was decided in extra time.
Ponga had already made a name for himself with some stunning performances in the National Youth Competition, and it took him just 16 minutes to show off those skills on the big stage when he made a break near halfway, stepped past Boyd and Ben Hunt, and then got done for an obstruction after some flashy footwork.
The attacking ace is now 28, captains the Knights and is preparing for another second-week finals clash, this time across the ditch against the Warriors.
He’s won a Dally M Medal and a couple of Origin series, has dealt with several serious injuries, but is still so similar to the young man who dazzled through Brisbane’s defence in Townsville.
“I’ve gone through different stages in 10 years,” Ponga told the NewsWire.
“I went from a kid where everything was happening so fast to transitioning into a leader and captain of the club who understands and cares a lot more about not only my footy but the town, the community, and what it means to them.
“I’m proud of the position I’m in, and I’m proud of the club as well. That’s why I’m staying with the club for another four years.
“Seeing some of these kids coming through now is a lot different to what I was like. They’re 19 or 20 and almost professionals, whereas 10 years ago, I was just a kid.
“I’m proud of where I’m at and excited about these next four years. I think the club is in a really good position.”
That night in Townsville is one he’ll never forget, with Ponga getting to play with Cowboys legends Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and Jason Taumalolo a year after the two teams met in a grand final for the ages.
He only found out the day before the game that he was playing, which meant he wasn’t overawed by a week of preparation for such a big occasion.
“I remember being young, enthusiastic, and excited about making my debut, playing in the finals, and playing with a lot of greats of the game. These were people I looked up to and who looked after me during that age period,” he said.
“The game itself, I just remember being outside ‘Johnno’ (Thurston) and thinking ‘don’t let him down’.
“I was quite young, and I think not really understanding what I was about to go into might have helped me. I probably didn’t understand the amount of work they had put in to get to that point. I was playing under-20s, so it was just a different feeling.
“Looking back, I was very grateful and appreciative, but I probably should have understood it a little bit more.”
Originally published as ‘Don’t let him down’: Kalyn Ponga reflects on incredible 10-year journey that started with epic finals game on debut