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Live sport on SN this weekend'Leave Kalyn on the bench': Why Kini should retain the No. 1 Kiwis jersey
Sport Nation • November 6th, 2026 2:34 pm
Keano Kini scores for New Zealand against Fiji | Photo: Jason O’Brien/Photosport
Former New Zealand international Tony Iro would give Kalyn Ponga another week to recover from his arm injury, but believes the star fullback could be a valuable weapon off the bench if the Kiwis need a late injection against Tonga.
Ponga has been named in the reserves for Saturday's Rugby League World Cup semi-final, with Keano Kini expected to retain the No. 1 jersey after stepping in during his absence.
Iro believes Kini's style is well suited to the Kiwis' game plan, particularly against a Tongan side he expects New Zealand to target through the middle.
“There's been a lot of talk about Ponga's loss and obviously, you'd like to have both him and Kini on the field, but I think Keano's style might actually suit the Kiwis' play against the Tongan’s this weekend,” he told Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy.
Kalyn Ponga | Photo: AP
And even if Ponga is declared fit to return to the starting lineup after breaking his arm during the World Cup opener against Australia and undergoing surgery, Iro would resist the temptation to rush him straight back in.
“I think I'd leave Kalyn on the bench. I think they probably would have trained all week with Keano obviously in the number one jersey.”
However, Iro believes the Kiwis could benefit from having Ponga's attacking ability available in the closing stages, particularly if the match is still in the balance.
“I think they'd like to think they could not not use him, but if it comes down to the last five minutes and they need some injection, he might be the one that can hopefully turn the game.
“But what an acquisition to have Kalyn sitting there if you needed him.”
Can NZ still win World Cup without Kalyn Ponga? | Sport Nation
With Mate Ma'a Tonga standing in the way of the Kiwis making the World Cup final next week to play either Australia or Samoa, Iro believes that could also play a factor in Stacey Jones deciding whether or not to utilise Ponga this week.
“They'd probably like to give Kalyn another week off in case they're looking at the grand final next week so that might give them an opportunity to get that arm right.”
Despite the uncertainty around Ponga, Iro remains confident in New Zealand's chances.
“The Kiwis for me are still slight favourites for the whole tournament. I think their forward pack have basically dominated teams, including Australia in the first round.
And in contrast, he shared “the back lines actually cancel each other out."
Daryl Halligan on Kini's retention at fullback | Sport Nation Mornings
Iro expects Tonga to target Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad who has moved to the wing to cover the suspended Ronaldo Mulitalo.
“I think obviously Charnze will come under a bit of heat with the high ball and we know he's safe under there, but I'm pretty sure they'll throw plenty his way.
“To me, Robert Toia is the best centre in the game at the moment, but Casey McLean isn't far off him.”
He also singled out one of the newest Kiwis - Dane Gagai as an important figure against Tonga.
“Dane Gagai has been a revelation in the black jersey, I think he's being the unsung hero to be fair. He's defended really well. He’s got that big game State of Origin experience, so he knows how to win those footy games.”
Listen to the full interview below:
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