Kalyn Ponga is on track to make a remarkable comeback for New Zealand in their Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga, provided he passes a crucial full-contact training session. Ponga, named on an extended bench for Saturday's match in Newcastle, has been working towards regaining fitness just 23 days after breaking his arm.
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones indicated that Ponga still has "a few boxes to tick" before he can be cleared to play. Ponga sustained the injury during New Zealand's tournament-opening loss to Australia, undergoing surgery with the hope of returning for the finals.
Melbourne halfback Jahrome Hughes, who made a successful return from a broken arm just 22 days after his injury last year, has offered Ponga advice. Hughes emphasized the importance of confidence in the injured limb, recalling his own experience where a full-contact opposed session before his match gave him the necessary assurance.
"He has got to have confidence in his arm and feel right," Hughes said of Ponga. "You don't want him to worry about his arm the whole game because that will take away from his game. He is training really well. That's another step towards playing."
Jones remained non-committal on whether Ponga would start if fit. "We will get through one more session and see where it goes. Kalyn is looking pretty good," he stated.
Fellow Newcastle player Phoenix Crossland is also on the extended bench and could feature after serving a four-game suspension. Teammate Dane Gagai expressed confidence in Ponga's toughness and dedication, stating that Ponga wouldn't put himself before the team but that his return would be a significant boost for the Kiwis.
"Some of the games he has played with injury. It was only maybe a year or two ago with his AC [acromioclavicular joint] and getting that injected, but he'll put his head in most places that people won't put their hands," Gagai commented. "So I've got no doubt he'll do everything he can to make sure he can take that field. It's just a case of whether he can tick those boxes and he'll know whether he's capable of playing or not."