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NZ’s Ponga back in World Cup contention after broken arm
New Zealand have named Kalyn Ponga as a reserve for their men’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga, only three weeks after he broke his forearm. His possible return would strengthen the side as it seeks a place in the final, while hooker Phoenix Crossland is also available again after serving a ban.
Ponga broke his arm in New Zealand’s 24-22 defeat by Australia on 15 October and had surgery after playing on for about 20 minutes. Crossland missed the group stage following a four-match suspension for a tackle that left Australia’s Nathan Cleary with a fractured and dislocated ankle. Both are reserves for Saturday’s match in Newcastle, but could still enter the 19-player squad; Tonga beat Samoa 20-18 to top their group.
In short
- Ponga is in reserve after breaking his arm three weeks ago.
- Crossland is available after serving his four-match ban.
- New Zealand face Tonga in Saturday’s semi-final.
Explained simply
Rugby league is a contact sport played by two teams aiming to score tries by carrying or kicking the ball over the opposition’s goal line. The Rugby League World Cup is an international tournament, and reaching the semi-final puts a team one win away from the final.
New Zealand and Tonga are national sides with strong followings in the Pacific. Kalyn Ponga is a New Zealand full-back, a position that often involves covering the back of the field and joining attacks; Phoenix Crossland is a hooker, who helps link forwards and backs.
Players named as reserves are available to join the match squad if selected, while teams can make substitutions during the game. Their availability matters because injuries and suspensions can affect which players a side has to choose from in a knockout match.