Australian coach and proud Queenslander Mal Meninga believes State of Origin isn’t too far away for Newcastle recruit Kalyn Ponga after a stunning club debut last weekend against Manly.

Ponga was outstanding and received three Arthur Beetson Medal votes.

“I thought he was exceptional in his first game,” Meninga said on Fox Sports’ Queenslanders only.

“We talked about round one before, he’s got a big year in front of him.

“Some of the things he’s done, particularly his positional defence, I think he saved a couple of tries, caught everything he needed to catch.

“Goal kicking, I didn’t know he had a goal kicking talent.

“He’s an exceptional talent and go the Queenslander.”