Ponga Avoids Suspension For Grade 2 Dangerous Midriff

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Queensland State Of Origin hero Kalyn Ponga has avoided a suspension for a bold fashion statement that saw him sent off with 23 minutes left in the series opener last night in Sydney.

NRL fans from both sides of the border remain unsure about the contentious call, with many questioning whether referee Ashley Klein's decision may have been blurred by jealousy.

The fullback was given his marching orders after putting the point of his shoulder into NSW winger Tolu Koula's ear hole at speed, while also wearing a grade 2 dangerous midriff.

Koula later failed a head injury assessment (HIA) after being flustered by Ponga's exposed abdomen, meaning he’ll be stood from playing for the next 11 days.

Ponga has long been considered a tastemaker when it comes to NRL fashion and is credited for introducing players to stick-poke tattoos and the wolf cut mullet hairstyle.

However, it appears that his decision to play last night's match in a Maroon midriff may have crossed a line for the match officials, who sensationally sent him off in what has since been identified as the 'turning point' for the Blues 22-20 comeback.