New Zealand have named Kalyn Ponga on the reserve list for their Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga, just three weeks after he broke his forearm. The full-back suffered the injury during the opening game against Australia on 15 October but played on for 20 minutes before undergoing surgery. Head coach Stacey Jones had previously expressed hope that Ponga would be fit for the final on 15 November if the team reached that stage.
Hooker Phoenix Crossland has also been included on the reserve list after completing a four-match ban. The Newcastle Knights player was suspended for a 'hip-drop' tackle on Australia's Nathan Cleary during the NRL play-offs on 27 September, which left Cleary with a compound fracture and dislocation to his left ankle. Crossland missed the NRL Grand Final and all three of New Zealand's Group A matches.
Tonga, who beat England 30-12 in their opening game, are unchanged from their final group match. They finished top of Group B-C with a 20-18 win over Samoa and will look to repeat their 2017 World Cup group-stage victory over New Zealand. Reigning champions Australia face Samoa in Sydney on Sunday in the other men's semi-final.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing