Ponga returns to New Zealand reserve list after World Cup arm fracture

Kalyn Ponga has been placed on New Zealand's reserve list for their Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga, bringing him back into selection contention after surgery on a broken forearm. BBC Sport reported that hooker Phoenix Crossland was also named among the reserves after completing a four-match suspension. Neither inclusion guarantees an appearance in the semi-final.

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Ponga was injured during New Zealand's tournament opener against Australia on 15 October. The full-back continued playing for about 20 minutes despite the injury before requiring surgery, with Australia winning 24-22. His return to the reserve list comes roughly three weeks after the fracture, although he has not yet been named in the 19-man matchday squad.

New Zealand coach Stacey Jones had expressed hope at the time of the injury that Ponga might recover for the final on 15 November, should his side qualify. The reserve selection leaves open the possibility of an earlier return. Changes to the matchday squad can still be made later this week before Saturday's semi-final in Newcastle, New South Wales.

Crossland's availability follows a suspension for a hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary during Newcastle Knights' NRL play-off match against Penrith Panthers on 27 September. Crossland was sent off, and Cleary suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his left ankle that ruled him out of the World Cup. Crossland subsequently apologised to the Australia player, according to BBC Sport.

The ban kept Crossland out of the NRL Grand Final, which Newcastle lost to Sydney Roosters, and all three of New Zealand's Group A matches. Tonga have retained the side from their final group fixture, a 20-18 victory over Samoa that secured top spot in Group B-C. They also beat England 30-12 in their opening game on 17 October.

Australia meet Samoa in the other men's semi-final in Sydney on Sunday. The defending champions have kept their starting XIII unchanged, with Reece Walsh retaining the full-back role ahead of James Tedesco. Samoa have brought in Ronald Volkman at stand-off after Chanel Harris-Tavita was ruled out with a hamstring injury.