Ponga returns as New Zealand reach World Cup final
Kalyn Ponga started 23 days after breaking his arm and New Zealand beat Tonga 34-10 to reach their first Rugby League World Cup final since 2013.
IllustrationThe story so far
New Zealand named Kalyn Ponga on the reserve list for their Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga on 3 November 2026, three weeks after he broke his forearm. Hooker Phoenix Crossland was also included after completing a four-match ban for the tackle that ruled Nathan Cleary out of the World Cup. The reserves could be moved into the 19-man matchday squad before Saturday's game in Newcastle, New South Wales.
Ponga started just 23 days after breaking his arm and inspired New Zealand to a 34-10 win over Tonga at the McDonald Jones Stadium. The Kiwis reached their first Rugby League World Cup final since 2013 after scoring 22 unanswered points. Tries came from Nikora, Gagai, McLean, Hughes, Willison and Nicoll-Klokstad, with Isaako converting five.
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2 updates · newest first- 7 NovNew development
Ponga returns as New Zealand beat Tonga to reach World Cup final
Kalyn Ponga started just 23 days after breaking his arm and inspired New Zealand to a 34-10 win over Tonga at the McDonald Jones Stadium. The Kiwis reached their first Rugby League World Cup final since 2013 after scoring 22 unanswered points. Tries came from Nikora, Gagai, McLean, Hughes, Willison and Nicoll-Klokstad, with Isaako converting five.
BBC Sport ↗
The Guardian ↗
- 3 NovNew development
Ponga on reserve list for New Zealand World Cup semi-final
New Zealand named Kalyn Ponga on the reserve list for their Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga three weeks after he broke his forearm. Hooker Phoenix Crossland was also included after completing a four-match ban for the tackle that ruled Nathan Cleary out of the World Cup. The reserves could be moved into the 19-man matchday squad later this week before Saturday's game in Newcastle, New South Wales.
Yahoo Sports ↗