Kalyn Ponga’s injury is a shattering blow for New Zealand – but it would take a brave soul to write them off at the Rugby League World Cup.
The superstar fullback was at his dazzling best in Thursday night’s tournament opener against the Kangaroos, but left the field with 12 minutes to go after playing through a broken arm that has since required surgery.
Kalyn Ponga. Getty Images
Ponga and opposing fullback Reece Walsh set a packed Allianz Stadium alight in a breathtaking individual battle during Australia’s 24-22 comeback victory.
The 28-year-old’s absence is a massive setback for the Kiwis, but it’s not all doom and gloom with a high-quality replacement waiting in the wings.
Keano Kini has donned the No.1 jersey for the past two years in the Pacific Championships and been a standout for New Zealand.
In last year’s final, Kini ran for a game-high 226 metres and broke eight tackles as the Kiwis proved too strong for Samoa and claimed the trophy.
A week prior, Kini starred for New Zealand with 199 run metres, two linebreak assists and a try in a dominant win over Tonga.
He did all of that for his country despite missing much of the NRL season with the Gold Coast Titans due to a neck injury.
In the 2024 tournament, Kini was electric in his first taste of international football and ran for 302 metres in an emphatic victory over Papua New Guinea.
Speaking to media post-game after Ponga’s devastating injury, Stacey Jones gave a glowing endorsement of the man who is set to fill the void.
“Obviously the campaign he [Kini] had for us last year, it was tough leaving him out because of the player he is,” the Kiwis coach said.
“Obviously with what Kayln’s been doing we had to pick him … but he’s a handy footy player and he was one of our best players last year.
“He’s the obvious player to come in and he’s been with this team, this is his third campaign now and he knows what’s required.”
While it’s impossible to replicate what Ponga does on the field, the Kiwis won’t lose too much with Kini at the back – especially given how dominant their forward pack was against Australia, led by the likes of James Fisher-Harris and Naufahu Whyte.
New Zealand won’t be the only side forced into changes, with Mitchell Moses ruled out for the rest of the World Cup with a calf injury.
Kevin Walters has already confirmed that Sam Walker and Tom Dearden will play in the halves against Fiji, while veteran fullback James Tedesco is also set to feature as the coach weighs the Roosters star against Walsh.
Tonga could be without five-eighth Latu Fainu, who suffered a pectoral injury in the win over England, but have options to slot straight in.
Junior Amone. NRL Images
Tui Lolohea came on during the 30-12 victory, while exiled NRL star Junior Amone is also in the squad and could partner Isaiya Katoa against Lebanon.
Samoan speedster Deine Mariner is also expected to be out with a hamstring injury, but Sua Fa’alogo scored four tries off the bench on Friday and is the obvious player to fill the vacant wing spot against PNG.
The teams for the second group stage games will be announced on Tuesday.