Queensland rookie Kalyn Ponga has revealed a life-threatening infection almost derailed his promising professional sporting career in his final schooling years.

One of the most sought after talents in high school, the rising NRL star attracted keen interest from six clubs deriving from three different codes including rugby league, rugby union and AFL.

Hell, golf was even an option for the highly-talented youngster who won New Zealand's under-13 national golf championship.

MORE: Michael Ennis believes Kalyn Ponga will play fullback for the Maroons instead of Billy Slater

But all that promise may have never eventuated into his currently dazzling career if it weren’t for his strength and determination.

Speaking to QRL Media, Ponga said his late teenage years were heavily effected but support from the Cowboys allowed him to get his young career back on track.

"It was a bit weird...a bit of a strange one," Ponga said.

"I sort of had an infection in my brain – that's pretty much the most simple way to put it.

"I was out for ages, a few months there. I was just in bed every day, sleeping.''

Despite being bed-ridden for a lengthy period, the 20-year-old was always confident of strapping on the boots again.

"I'm not too sure on what the actual risks were, but in my head I was always going to play," he said.

Now in full health, the livewire fullback will become the eighth youngest State of Origin debutant as he prepares to suit up in the utility role for Queensland on Sunday.

There has been criticism that he may be too small for the role, but those in camp can’t wait to let his talents unleash in the big arena.

‘’I think he’s ready,’’ Maroons skipper Greg Inglis told Channel Nine’s 100% Footy.

‘’People said the same thing about our six debutants being ready back in 2006. This kid’s ready to play and I think he’s Origin-made.’’