Kalyn Ponga will inform the Maroons of his availability some time today as incoming coach Wayne Bennett faces the prospect of another star missing for the November series.
It's understood Ponga will meet with Newcastle officials to gauge the severity of the shoulder injury in question and whether he should go under the knife and begin rehabilitation for next season.
The club says it's leaving the decision up to the fullback since he has played with the torn cartilage in his shoulder for the latter part of the season.
While it has been reported Ponga could play through the Origin series with the injury, the shoulder problem has noticeably impacted his game. But playing in the interstate series could be too risky for the Knights to keep their $1 million man out on the field in the toughest arena.
"If he plays in this Origin series - it doesn't finish until the back end of November," Paul Gallen told Nine's 100% Footy.
"So he doesn't get his surgery until the last week of November or the start of December - it's a reconstruction, that's a six-month recovery period."
That time frame would put him out of Newcastle's side for the first half of next season.
If Ponga plays for Queensland he risks further injury, which could add more time to an already extended period on the sidelines.
"He's got to be in hospital today," added Phil Gould.
"He's finished as late as it is and you need him back for next season. He can't hang on for another six weeks without surgery, that's ridiculous."
The Maroons already face a huge injury toll and go into the series as underdogs after back-to-back defeats.
Five-eighth Cameron Munster is racing the clock to be fit for the Storm's preliminary final after reinjuring his knee, following two MCL setbacks earlier in the season. Valentine Holmes, meanwhile, is suspended for the Origin series opener.
Soon to be Titan David Fifita will also be absent from Origin I due to an ankle injury.
If Ponga is ruled out, Gold Coast star AJ Brimson has been earmarked to be elevated to the No.1 jumper.
from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/kalyn-ponga-shoulder-surgery-queensland-origin-dilemma-phil-gould/4a31638e-b42d-4d78-a560-d71b86c01ab7
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