League: Ponga possible Cowboys stand-in

Kalyn Ponga of the Cowboys. Photo / Getty

Newcastle-bound excitement machine Kalyn Ponga could find himself back in the NRL today to play the Warriors if North Queensland winger Antonio Winterstein fails to shrug off a calf injury.

Winterstein played just 40 minutes on the wing in last Sunday's defeat of South Sydney, and despite training yesterday was listed as doubtful by coach Paul Green.

Guarded when asked of Winterstein's potential replacement, Green said Kiwi-born Ponga, Javid Bowen or Kyle Laybutt were all in the frame.

The coach said his experienced winger would be given "every chance" to play, due to the Cowboys' long list of injuries.

"He's an experienced guy and we need as much experience as possible," Green said. "He trained and did some strides in running, but I'd say he's doubtful at this stage."

Green listed the trio when asked who was likely to replace Winterstein. When asked if one was more likely than the other the coach replied: "Probably, yeah."

Ponga will move to Newcastle next season, and despite starring at every opportunity has not lined up for the Cowboys since round nine.

Reserve grader Mason Lino will take injured Warrior Shaun Johnson's place in the side, in what will be the 23-year-old's first NRL match since September 2015 and is bound to face Titans pressure.

"It's not a matter of targeting them," Green said of the young Warrior. "But if we pressure their ball players, it's a new combination, and the more we pressure them the harder it is to find rhythm."

- AAP