Kalyn Ponga was surprised to hear his name linked with Queensland's halfback vacancy as the Maroons deliberate over where to play the in-form Newcastle co-captain in the State of Origin opener.
Ponga may still have the chance to play in his preferred fullback position, but the Maroons have a wealth of talent at No.1, with Reece Walsh and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow also available.
The 28-year-old Ponga is therefore also considered an option to replace the injured Tom Dearden at No.7 on May 27 in Sydney, despite never playing in the position at NRL level.
But as he considers how best to maximise the Maroons' attacking strike, coach Billy Slater is exploring all possibilities for where Ponga could play.
"Was I surprised? A little bit, yeah," Ponga said of reports linking him to the halfback jersey.
"I'll play anywhere, I've said that before. I know what I'm like. When I get my head on, I get excited by challenges.
"I just feel really comfortable in the footy I'm playing at the moment. I guess that arena brings the best out of players."
Ponga's only two professional matches listed as a starting halfback were for North Queensland's under-20s team in 2016 and 2017.
The Knights have experimented with Ponga at five-eighth in the past, but he is now widely considered a specialist fullback.
Former Queensland assistant coach Josh Hannay believed the Maroons were better off playing Ponga at halfback than Sydney Roosters star Sam Walker, the other leading contender.
"That's what I'd do. I reckon it's a great idea," said the Titans coach.
"With all due respect to Sam Walker, he's a good young player and he's got a lot to offer, but I just think if you've got the opportunity to pick Kalyn Ponga, you find somewhere to put him."
Ponga showcased his kicking game throughout Sunday's Magic Round clash and would be tasked with sharing playmaking loads with Queensland five-eighth Cameron Munster.
Hannay felt the NRL was less prescriptive over positions than ever before, making Ponga up to the job of learning his new role during camp for game one.
"I feel like he could play that position on his ear," Hannay said.
"He's smart, the modern-day spine functions differently to the old days where you had to have a traditional seven (halfback) getting the team around the park.
"I've got a feeling that the opposition wouldn't like to see him in that position."
