Kalyn Ponga heads for surgery after breaking arm in Kiwis debut
Kalyn Ponga scored twice despite his broken radius, playing 70 minutes before surgery.
Kalyn Ponga broke his left radius bone early in the second half of New Zealand's Kiwis debut against Australia on Thursday. The Newcastle captain toughed it out and scored two tries, including one after the injury, before leaving the field at the 70-minute mark.
New Zealand lost 24-22. Ponga will undergo surgery on Friday.
Team doctor Greg Macleod said he would assess Ponga's tournament prospects after the operation. Coach Stacey Jones said Ponga remains hopeful of returning.
"He's a tough guy with plenty of pride in the black and white jersey," said captain James Fisher-Harris. If Ponga cannot play, New Zealand can ask for clearance to add another player to their squad.
- Kalyn Ponga, 28-year-old Newcastle captain
- Player
- Broken left radius bone
- Injury
- Two tries including one after injury
- Tries scored
- New Zealand lost 24-22
- Match result
Why it mattersNew Zealand views Ponga as critical to their first World Cup title chase since 2008, and his injury threatens their campaign.
AustraliaFor NRL followers, Ponga's injury matters: the Newcastle Knights captain is crucial to New Zealand's World Cup title hopes.
Corroborated byabc.net.au
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