{"id":944812,"date":"2026-10-29T05:58:15","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T05:58:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/944812\/"},"modified":"2026-10-29T05:58:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T05:58:15","slug":"rugby-league-world-cup-ponga-to-return-samoa-send-haas-sos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/944812\/","title":{"rendered":"Rugby League World Cup: Ponga to return, Samoa send Haas SOS"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kiwis superstar Kalyn Ponga is set to make a shock return for New Zealand\u2019s World Cup finals campaign.<\/p>\n

In a huge boost for the Kiwis\u2019 Cup bid, Ponga made a surprise appearance at New Zealand training on the Gold Coast on Wednesday morning after returning to camp.<\/p>\n

The Dally M Medal winner suffered a broken arm in New Zealand\u2019s tournament-opening loss to Australia a fortnight ago in Sydney.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s finals campaign.<\/p>\n

WATCH PONGA\u2019S RETURN FROM SURGERY<\/p>\n

\"Kalyn<\/p>\n

Ponga sat out contact work on Wednesday and won\u2019t play against Fiji at Cbus Super Stadium in Saturday\u2019s last group fixture.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Ponga is an outside chance of featuring in next weekend\u2019s semi-final and will be desperate to play in the November 15 tournament decider, if the Kiwis qualify.<\/p>\n

Kiwis coach Stacey Jones<\/a> said Ponga was keen to play again for the Kiwis before the tournament was over.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe got back into camp when we arrived here on the Gold Coast and he\u2019s day to day at the moment,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t rule him out straight away and he was confident he could still play a part. It\u2019s just good to see him out on the training field.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen he picked up the injury, we thought his tournament was over. But he said \u2018I\u2019m coming back, I want to be involved\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen a player has that mindset and that calibre of ability, you give them every chance.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe loves it (in camp). He\u2019s spoken about the passion and pride, particularly around why he wants to play for New Zealand. He\u2019s got strong connections there, and the culture is a big part of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt this stage, it\u2019s more of a week-to-week proposition and we\u2019ll have a better idea after this weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The two nations could meet again in the final at Suncorp Stadium 15 if New Zealand progresses through next weekend\u2019s semi finals.<\/p>\n

With Ponga sidelined, Gold Coast fullback Keano Kini<\/a> stepped into New Zealand\u2019s No. 1 jersey for 82-16 thrashing of Cook Islands.<\/p>\n

Kini will start at fullback against Fiji and said he was relishing being in camp with Ponga.<\/p>\n

\u201cKP is looking good and hopefully he can come back in the next few games and help us try to win the World Cup,\u201d Kini said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say (he will play). I don\u2019t know his exact medical situation, but knowing how tough he is \u2014 he stayed on for 20 minutes with a broken arm \u2014 it wouldn\u2019t surprise me if he\u2019s back in the next game or two.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s awesome. He\u2019s a very relaxed fella, just does his own thing, and he gives me advice without me even asking.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s very knowledgeable about the game. He\u2019s had an awesome year this year, and it\u2019s been good to watch him and try to take little parts of his game and add them to mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

SAMOA ISSUE HAAS SOS<\/p>\n

– Dean Ritchie<\/p>\n

Samoan coach Ben Gardiner could pull a shock selection by asking the game\u2019s best prop, Payne Haas<\/a>, to return from injury for the World Cup finals.<\/p>\n

Haas\u2019 possible comeback would give the World Cup an Everest-like boost just days out from Sunday\u2019s massive game between Samoa and Tonga at a sold-out CommBank Stadium.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re monitoring the situation with Payne and we will have further discussions over the coming weeks,\u201d Gardner said. \u201cUltimately it would be up to Souths (Haas\u2019 new club) and Payne.\u201d<\/p>\n

Haas underwent finger surgery last season, and his recovery progressing strongly.<\/p>\n

World Cup teams can replace a player through a verified injury, provided the replacement was named in a nation\u2019s preliminary 40-man squad, which Haas was for Samoa.<\/p>\n

Several Samoan players are carrying injuries that may prevent them from competing in the remaining World Cup games.<\/p>\n

The door could be ajar for Haas, who has arrived at new club Souths and started working out at the club\u2019s Maroubra gymnasium.<\/p>\n

While Haas is desperate to represent Samoa, Rabbitohs officials doubt his injury would have healed sufficiently for him to participate at the World Cup.<\/p>\n

Should Haas\u2019 selection interest progress, Souths and Samoa would need to kickstart talks.<\/p>\n

Gardner denied reports that Haas had spent time in camp with the Samoan side.<\/p>\n

Sunday night\u2019s match will determine who faces Australia and New Zealand in the finals.<\/p>\n

The loser is likely to play Australia in a semi-final with the winner to confront New Zealand.<\/p>\n

England is still a chance to qualify.<\/p>\n

Asked about the Samoa-Tonga game, Gardner said: \u201cIt will be a massive game that\u2019s great for rugby league.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be a fierce encounter that the players love to play in.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe atmosphere, flags, war dances, anthems will be absolutely sensational. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re super excited as a nation to represent Samoa on the world stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tonga is $1.77 favourites, according to TAB, with Samoa the $2.05 outsiders.<\/p>\n

Haas played with an ongoing tendon issue throughout the 2026 season with the Brisbane Broncos<\/a>.<\/p>\n

He will be fit and ready for Souths\u2019 opening round game in 2027, possibly against the Bears in Perth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Kiwis superstar Kalyn Ponga is set to make a shock return for New Zealand\u2019s World Cup finals 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