Ponga awaits scans after Australia edge New Zealand in World Cup opener

Kalyn Ponga is awaiting scans on a suspected arm fracture after New Zealand's opening match at the Rugby League World Cup. BBC Sport reported that coach Stacey Jones had not made a decision about the full-back's availability following the injury, which Ponga sustained in a tackle involving Australia's Cameron Munster.

Watch the highlights:

Jones said Ponga continued for about 20 minutes before being withdrawn. The coach described him as unable to catch the ball and in considerable discomfort, but said medical checks were needed before New Zealand could determine his position. A fracture remained a possibility rather than a confirmed diagnosis when Jones spoke after the game.

Australia also had fitness concerns during the contest. Mitchell Moses left shortly after half-time with a calf problem, while Reece Walsh was returning from eight weeks out with an ankle injury. Australia coach Kevin Walters praised Walsh's defensive and attacking contributions despite the full-back struggling with cramp and vomiting during the match, according to BBC Sport's post-match report.

On the field, Australia won 24–22 in Sydney after Jack Bostock completed a hat-trick on his international debut. BBC Sport's match report recorded more than 40,000 spectators for the tournament opener. New Zealand had led 22–16 before late tries from Walsh and Bostock changed the result, with the decisive score arriving inside the final five minutes.

Bostock scored once from an interception and twice by collecting high kicks from Munster. Tom Trbojevic also scored for Australia, while Casey McLean and Ponga supplied New Zealand's tries, with Ponga crossing twice on his first appearance for the Kiwis. The teams had reached half-time level at 10–10 despite New Zealand spending much of the opening period on the front foot.

Walsh's contribution included a first-half tackle that prevented Ponga from scoring and a long-range try after the interval. That later score brought Australia back to 22–20 and left the defending champions within reach before Bostock's winner. Ponga had already gone off with his arm injury before the decisive try and had his left arm in a sling at full-time.