Kalyn Ponga is back in contention for New Zealand’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga, with the full-back named on the reserve list three weeks after breaking his forearm. Hooker Phoenix Crossland has also been included after completing a four-match suspension.
Ponga fractured his arm on 15 October in New Zealand’s opening match against Australia. He continued playing for about 20 minutes before leaving for surgery. Head coach Stacey Jones had said he hoped Ponga could be fit for the final on 15 November if New Zealand reached it.
Crossland missed the group stage while serving his ban for a hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary during an NRL play-off match on 27 September. The tackle left Cleary with a compound fracture and dislocation of his left ankle, ruling him out of the World Cup. Crossland apologised to Cleary and also missed the NRL Grand Final, which Newcastle lost to Sydney Roosters.
Ponga and Crossland are currently reserves and would not feature in Saturday’s semi-final in that role. They could still be added to the 19-player matchday squad later this week. New Zealand face Tonga in Newcastle, New South Wales, at 09:05 GMT.
Tonga are unchanged from their final group match, a 20-18 win over Samoa that put them top of Group B-C. They also beat England 30-12 in their opening match and will aim to repeat their 2017 World Cup group-stage victory over New Zealand.
Sources: BBC Sport.