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Live sport on SN this weekendPonga to undergo surgery after suffering broken arm in Kiwis’ World Cup opener
Sport Nation • October 16th, 2026 3:55 pm
Kalyn Ponga | Photo: James Gourley/Photosport
New Zealand’s Rugby League World Cup campaign has suffered a major setback, with star fullback Kalyn Ponga requiring surgery after breaking his arm in the Kiwis’ dramatic defeat to Australia.
The Newcastle Knights captain will undergo surgery on Friday after sustaining the injury during Thursday night’s 24-22 loss to the defending champions at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
Despite the injury, Ponga produced a stunning performance on his Kiwis debut, scoring two tries and emerging as one of the standout players in an enthralling tournament opener.
The 28-year-old appeared to injure his left arm in the second half but continued playing through the pain, eventually leaving the field in the 70th minute.
Kiwis team doctor Greg Macleod confirmed Ponga would have surgery before returning to the team camp, with his availability for the remainder of the tournament still uncertain.
Can NZ still win World Cup without Kalyn Ponga? | Sport Nation
“We wish Kalyn all the best with his surgery today,” Macleod said in a statement.
“We’ll see how that goes but for now he will remain in camp.”
Ponga’s injury is a significant blow for New Zealand after his individual brilliance helped put the Kiwis in a position to claim a memorable victory over Australia.
His second try, which featured a spectacular step to beat Kangaroos fullback Reece Walsh, gave New Zealand the lead in the second half.
However, Australia fought back to claim victory through a late Jack Bostock try, with the winger completing a hat-trick on debut.
The Kiwis will now await further information on Ponga’s recovery as they look to regroup following a heartbreaking start to their campaign.
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