The 26-year-old played a starring role in the side’s win over the Dolphins in round two while his main rival for the Maroons fullback spot struggled against the Raiders.

While there will be no secrets given away from Billy Slater, his comments after Ponga’s most recent display may give an early insight into which way he is leaning.

“He was so impressive, 10 out of 10 to be honest,” the Queensland coach said on Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast on Monday.

“I was there at McDonald Jones Stadium watching Kalyn destroy the Dolphins.

“He is so influential in that football team and it’s not a one-off. This was all of last year and the year before, he is so influential in his football side.

“They have won their opening two games of the season and it’s off the back of Kalyn.

“Kalyn is the spark, he’s the creator, he’s doing a lot more kicking at the moment and he’s controlling the attack. He’s just got so much freedom and they are playing a really good style that gets him the football in good situations.

“He was brilliant … so influential, both with the footy and making try-saving tackles.”

Ponga reacts to Brown news amid ‘rumours’

Ponga’s representative career has been stop-start since making his Origin debut almost seven years ago, with injuries and concussions hindering his chances of selection.

Walsh was enormous for the Maroons in his debut 2023 series, but failed to have the same impact last year against NSW in the 2-1 series defeat.

The speedster had some nice moments in round one for Brisbane, but had an error-riddled night against Canberra on Saturday.

Ponga and Walsh won’t come head-to-head until round 25, making that battle irrelevant in the context of Origin selection.