Ponga set for New Zealand squad return ahead of Tonga semi-final
Phoenix Crossland will also join the 19-man squad, but coach Stacey Jones has not confirmed whether Ponga will start.
Newcastle captain Kalyn Ponga is set to return to New Zealand’s squad for the Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga at McDonald Jones Stadium, 23 days after breaking his arm.
Coach Stacey Jones has not said whether Ponga will start. If selected at fullback for kick-off, he would take Keano Kini’s place. Ponga is expected to use a protective arm guard.
Ponga fractured his forearm during his Test debut against Australia on 15 October and has not played since. He stayed with the Kiwis squad during his recovery. Jones said Ponga needed to complete all the required checks and feel confident about playing.
Jones also confirmed Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland would join the 19-man squad and be included on the six-man bench. Crossland has not played since his suspension for a tackle on Nathan Cleary during the NRL preliminary final.
The additions mean Jones must leave out two players from his original 19-man selection. Captain James Fisher-Harris said the Kiwis had discussed lessons from their narrow semi-final defeat by Australia in Leeds four years ago.
