Incident

Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga was sent off in the 57th minute of State of Origin I for a grade-two shoulder charge on New South Wales debutant Tolu Koula. Referee Ashley Klein issued the send-off, making Ponga the seventh player sent off in Origin history and the first since Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in 2022.

Aftermath

• Ponga accepted an early guilty plea, resulting in a fine of 23% of his match fee. A change to the NRL judiciary code in 2022 for representative matches allowed him to avoid a ban.
• He is eligible to play for the Newcastle Knights against the Parramatta Eels on Saturday.
• Tolu Koula failed a head injury assessment and will not play for Manly against the Cronulla Sharks on Friday.

Statements

Kalyn Ponga: Said he was "not proud" of the incident and thought it was a sin bin rather than a send-off. He expressed concern for Koula's wellbeing and pride in his teammates' efforts while he was off the field.

Queensland coach Billy Slater: Said he had "no problems" with the decision and described the team's performance as courageous.

New South Wales captain Isaah Yeo: Said he believed the send-off was warranted.

New South Wales player Tolu Koula: Described the hit as "pretty crazy" and stated that he was fine after regaining his senses.

Game Outcome

New South Wales won game one 22-20 with a try by James Tedesco in the final two minutes, taking advantage of Queensland's numerical disadvantage.