Pearce has seen first hand just how dangerous Ponga has been since moving back to the No.1 jersey for the Knights, scoring six tries in his past five games.

Sunday's double against St George Illawarra was arguably his best outing of the season, twice spotting a hole from beyond the 30m line and stepping his way over the line.

He was also denied a hat-trick by the bunker, after he stepped both Ben Hunt and Matt Dufty in the one break only for the play to be pulled back for an obstruction.

"It is scary for NSW," Pearce said.

"He has just got that thing that you are born with, he has got that look in his eye, he is just class, he is a super player.

"There were a few times out there (on Sunday) I was looking at him and you just want to give him the ball because he has just got that class."

Ponga played just the one Origin match last year after being called in for Game II, coming off the bench in a middle role before missing the following match with injury.

The 21-year-old is all but certain to be picked at fullback for the Maroons this season as part of a new-look spine, with coach Kevin Walters set to unveil his team after next weekend's NRL games.

Australian Associated Press