nib Newcastle Knights new recruits Kalyn Ponga and Tautau Moga attended Queensland’s Emerging Origin squad camp over the Australia Day weekend on the Gold Coast.
The pair joined a list of 11 of the state’s most promising players, with the group coming together to hear from some of the game’s legends.
“We had Justin Hodges come in and he spoke about what it means to play for Queensland, what that maroon jersey means to him and what he’s done in the past,” said Knights centre Tautau Moga.
“It was about the boys coming together, learning about the culture, the ins and outs of things at camp and also meeting everyone.”
Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga said he was overwhelmed with the passion shown for the maroon jersey.
“The camp showed the absolute passion they had for the jumper and it’s a team you want to strive to be part of,” commented Ponga.
With eight of last year’s emerging squad members going on to make their Queensland debut, Moga admits it has been a definite benefit to players looking to make their maroons debut in the future.
“100 per cent it was worthy,” added Moga.
“If something does pop up, it will be an easier transition into the squad.
“Origin is a dream for me but I’m just taking it day-by-day, thinking about the Club first and I’ll go from there.”
Ponga agreed it’s a goal he’d like to reach in the future.
“It was a little taste of Origin in the future and it showed how hard you have to work to get there and I’d love to be a part of that,” he said.
