Kalyn Ponga returns 23 days after broken arm to help Kiwis reach Rugby League final

Kalyn Ponga returned to Rugby League World Cup action only 23 days after breaking his left forearm, a decision described as risky by New Zealand head coach Stacey Jones, who felt it was worth taking, according to BBC Sport and Yahoo Sports.

Ponga had suffered the injury during the World Cup opener against Australia, where he played for 20 minutes with a broken arm before requiring surgery. Despite this setback, he was determined to play in the semi-final.

Initially named as a reserve and then on the interchange bench, Ponga made a surprise start in the semi-final against Tonga. He played with protective bandaging on his left forearm and was instrumental in New Zealand's 34-10 victory, directly contributing to four of the team's six tries.

The win secured New Zealand's place in their first Men's Rugby League World Cup final in 13 years. Coach Jones highlighted advances in sports science and Ponga's toughness as key factors in his rapid return to play.

Ponga's performance included setting up tries for teammates and dominating his opposite number, helping the Kiwis overpower Tonga and advance to the final stage of the tournament.