Kiwis superstar Kalyn Ponga is set to make a shock return for New Zealand’s World Cup finals campaign.
In a huge boost for the Kiwis’ Cup bid, Ponga made a surprise appearance at New Zealand training on the Gold Coast on Wednesday morning after returning to camp.
The Dally M Medal winner suffered a broken arm in New Zealand’s tournament-opening loss to Australia a fortnight ago in Sydney.
Ponga returned home to Newcastle, underwent surgery and was expected to miss the remainder of his maiden New Zealand tournament after pledging his Test allegiance to the Kiwis.
However, the Knights captain and Queensland fullback returned to Kiwis camp on the Gold Coast this week and is pushing to return for New Zealand’s finals campaign.
WATCH PONGA’S RETURN FROM SURGERY
Ponga sat out contact work on Wednesday and won’t play against Fiji at Cbus Super Stadium in Saturday’s last group fixture.
But Code Sports watched the flying fullback moving freely in fitness drills and even completed some light passing, with his left forearm strapped to protect the healing wound.
Ponga is an outside chance of featuring in next weekend’s semi-final and will be desperate to play in the November 15 tournament decider, if the Kiwis qualify.
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones said Ponga was keen to play again for the Kiwis before the tournament was over.
“He got back into camp when we arrived here on the Gold Coast and he’s day to day at the moment,” he said.
“We didn’t rule him out straight away and he was confident he could still play a part. It’s just good to see him out on the training field.
“When he picked up the injury, we thought his tournament was over. But he said ‘I’m coming back, I want to be involved’.
“When a player has that mindset and that calibre of ability, you give them every chance.
“He loves it (in camp). He’s spoken about the passion and pride, particularly around why he wants to play for New Zealand. He’s got strong connections there, and the culture is a big part of it.
“At this stage, it’s more of a week-to-week proposition and we’ll have a better idea after this weekend.”
The Kiwis suffered a 24-22 loss to Australia in the first week of the tournament after Ponga staged a brilliant fullback battle with Kangaroos rival Reece Walsh.
The two nations could meet again in the final at Suncorp Stadium 15 if New Zealand progresses through next weekend’s semi finals.
With Ponga sidelined, Gold Coast fullback Keano Kini stepped into New Zealand’s No. 1 jersey for 82-16 thrashing of Cook Islands.
Kini will start at fullback against Fiji and said he was relishing being in camp with Ponga.
“KP is looking good and hopefully he can come back in the next few games and help us try to win the World Cup,” Kini said.
“I’d say (he will play). I don’t know his exact medical situation, but knowing how tough he is — he stayed on for 20 minutes with a broken arm — it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s back in the next game or two.
“He’s awesome. He’s a very relaxed fella, just does his own thing, and he gives me advice without me even asking.
“He’s very knowledgeable about the game. He’s had an awesome year this year, and it’s been good to watch him and try to take little parts of his game and add them to mine.”
SAMOA ISSUE HAAS SOS
– Dean Ritchie
Samoan coach Ben Gardiner could pull a shock selection by asking the game’s best prop, Payne Haas, to return from injury for the World Cup finals.
Haas’ possible comeback would give the World Cup an Everest-like boost just days out from Sunday’s massive game between Samoa and Tonga at a sold-out CommBank Stadium.
“We’re monitoring the situation with Payne and we will have further discussions over the coming weeks,” Gardner said. “Ultimately it would be up to Souths (Haas’ new club) and Payne.”
Haas underwent finger surgery last season, and his recovery progressing strongly.
World Cup teams can replace a player through a verified injury, provided the replacement was named in a nation’s preliminary 40-man squad, which Haas was for Samoa.
Several Samoan players are carrying injuries that may prevent them from competing in the remaining World Cup games.
The door could be ajar for Haas, who has arrived at new club Souths and started working out at the club’s Maroubra gymnasium.
While Haas is desperate to represent Samoa, Rabbitohs officials doubt his injury would have healed sufficiently for him to participate at the World Cup.
Should Haas’ selection interest progress, Souths and Samoa would need to kickstart talks.
Gardner denied reports that Haas had spent time in camp with the Samoan side.
Sunday night’s match will determine who faces Australia and New Zealand in the finals.
The loser is likely to play Australia in a semi-final with the winner to confront New Zealand.
England is still a chance to qualify.
Asked about the Samoa-Tonga game, Gardner said: “It will be a massive game that’s great for rugby league.
“It will be a fierce encounter that the players love to play in.
“The atmosphere, flags, war dances, anthems will be absolutely sensational.
“We’re super excited as a nation to represent Samoa on the world stage.”
Tonga is $1.77 favourites, according to TAB, with Samoa the $2.05 outsiders.
Haas played with an ongoing tendon issue throughout the 2026 season with the Brisbane Broncos.
He will be fit and ready for Souths’ opening round game in 2027, possibly against the Bears in Perth.