# NZ’s Ponga back in World Cup contention after broken arm

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/nzs-ponga-back-in-world-cup-contention-after-broken-arm/
- Published: 2026-11-03T08:39:17+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-03T10:02:48+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Sport (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/c61wv1z5781zo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Sport

## Key points

- 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.

## Summary

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.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.