Ponga Poised for Remarkable Comeback
Kalyn Ponga is in line to return for New Zealand's Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga on Saturday, just 23 days after the Newcastle captain suffered a broken arm. The fullback was taken off with a forearm fracture during his Test debut in the tournament opener against Australia on October 15, and there were concerns his campaign was finished after a single appearance. He has not played since but has stayed with the Kiwis camp throughout his rehabilitation.[S1][S2]
After a demanding recovery, the Newcastle No.1 is expected to be named on Stacey Jones's team list for the match at McDonald Jones Stadium. Should Jones select him from the start, Ponga would take the fullback spot from Keano Kini. The coach declined to say whether Ponga, who is likely to wear a protective guard on his arm against Tonga, would begin the game.[S1]
Crossland Earns Recall as Squad Trims
Jones confirmed that Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland will also be added to the 19-man squad. Crossland has not featured since he was suspended for his tackle on Nathan Cleary in the NRL preliminary final. The coach said Crossland had trained well and would form part of a six-man bench, noting the hooker has been in the Kiwis setup for three years and that playing at his home ground in Newcastle makes the moment particularly meaningful.[S1]
Bringing in Crossland and Ponga means two players from the original 19-man group will miss out, and Jones was set to settle that call on Friday evening. He stressed that the priority for Ponga was completing every requirement of his recovery and feeling confident enough to take the field.[S1]
History and a Hostile Crowd Await
Captain James Fisher-Harris said he had never experienced that kind of injury himself, though teammates Xavier Willison and Jahrome Hughes had. The Warriors prop recalled the Kiwis' semi-final appearance four years ago, when a narrow defeat to Australia in Leeds still lingers, and said the side had discussed its history and how such matches turn on isolated moments. He expected strong backing for Tonga and said the team was eager for the contest.[S1]
