Kalyn Ponga makes remarkable World Cup return just 23 days after breaking his arm

Kalyn Ponga produced a standout performance for New Zealand in the Rugby League World Cup semifinal, returning only 23 days after breaking a bone in his forearm. Wearing a protective guard, the fullback helped the Kiwis defeat Tonga 34-10 and was named man of the match. Ponga had three try assists and made a crucial try-saving tackle, while also contributing to the opening try in the third minute. The report describes him as fully involved throughout the match, despite taking two heavy hits from former Newcastle teammate Tyson Frizell and Tongan player Salesi Foketi. He got back to his feet after both collisions and stopped Demitric Vaimauga near the corner to prevent a try. His place in the starting lineup was confirmed about an hour before kickoff. Ponga said in a television interview after the match that he had felt confident he would play since Wednesday. The article says he had undergone surgery and returned with a plate and 11 screws in his arm, and that his determination to make it back was clear from soon after the injury. Coach Stacey Jones praised Ponga’s toughness, noting the size of the protective covering on his arm. Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris also praised the fullback, calling him an exceptional player. Ponga said teammate Jahrome Hughes’s earlier return from a broken arm had helped give him confidence that a quick comeback was possible. The article compares Ponga’s recovery with that of All Blacks great Colin Meads, who played on for 76 minutes after breaking his arm in 1970 and later returned to the tour wearing a leather guard. Ponga’s comeback, however, came after a much shorter recovery period and included a high-impact semifinal performance in front of his home crowd in Newcastle.