Kalyn Ponga targets potential World Cup return for New Zealand

Kalyn Ponga Targets Return From Broken Arm For New Zealand

New Zealand fullback Kalyn Ponga is plotting a potential return from a broken forearm during the finals of the Rugby League World Cup, with coach Stacey Jones keeping the door open for the injured playmaker. Ponga suffered the fracture during the Kiwis’ tournament-opening fixture against Australia, playing through the pain for 20 minutes before scans confirmed the break and required surgery. Ponga had the arm operated on soon after the match. In that opening fixture, Ponga was monumental, racking up 254 running metres, scoring two tries and making three line breaks.

Training Ground Return Sparks World Cup Hopes

Despite initial expectations that his tournament was over, Ponga linked back up with his New Zealand teammates on the Gold Coast ahead of their pool match against Fiji at CBUS Super Stadium. While he did not participate in contact drills, he was pictured wearing heavy strapping on his left forearm during fitness work and light passing exercises. New Zealand assistant coach Stacey Jones noted that Ponga immediately expressed his desire to return when the injury occurred. “We didn’t rule him out straight away and he was confident he could still play a part,” Jones told News Corp. “It’s just good to see him out on the training field.” Jones also noted that initially they thought his tournament was over, but Ponga stated he was coming back and wanted to be involved. Stacey Jones added that when a player has that mindset and calibre of ability, you give them every chance.

Timeline And Selection Outlook

Ponga’s availability remains a week-to-week proposition as the Kiwis prepare for the tournament’s final stages, with Jones describing him as a day-to-day prospect and noting they will have a better idea after this weekend. The NRL Physio estimated that similar forearm injuries generally require one to two months to heal, though Kiwi teammate Jahrome Hughes previously returned from a comparable injury in three weeks during 2025. If New Zealand qualifies for the semi-finals, Ponga faces a slim chance of selection, while a spot in the tournament final would place him firmly in contention to play. Stand-in fullback Keano Kini, who has filled the No. 1 jersey in Ponga’s absence, expressed confidence in his teammate’s toughness after Ponga played 20 minutes with a broken bone. Kini stated that Ponga is looking good and hoped he can come back in the next few games to help them try to win the World Cup. Kini added that knowing how tough Ponga is—staying on for 20 minutes with a broken arm—it would not surprise him if Ponga is back in the next game or two, describing him as awesome, very relaxed, and helpful with advice. If Ponga can overcome the injury and take the field, it would bolster New Zealand’s quest to claim their second World Cup crown.

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