New Zealand overpowered Tonga 34-10 in the Rugby League World Cup semi-final to reach their first men's final in 13 years, with full-back Kalyn Ponga delivering a starring performance just 23 days after suffering a broken left forearm.
Ponga, who scored two tries in the tournament opener against Australia before being forced off with the injury, returned to the starting lineup wearing protective bandaging. He was directly involved in four of New Zealand's six tries, setting up scores for Briton Nikora, Casey McLean and Xavier Willison, while also making a crucial try-saving tackle on Demitric Vaimauga.
Head coach Stacey Jones praised Ponga's determination, revealing the player had a rod or plate covering his entire forearm. "He ticked all the boxes. Just a tough person," Jones said. Captain James Fisher-Harris described Ponga as a "freak of nature" and highlighted his underrated leadership.
New Zealand's victory was built on more than individual brilliance. Dane Gagai sparked a counter-attack for McLean's try, Jahrome Hughes added directness with his carries, and kicker Jamayne Isaako converted five of six attempts in difficult windy conditions, taking his tournament tally to 36 from 38 attempts.
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf refused to blame the deteriorating weather, which saw a restart blow back into his team's half. "We didn't handle the conditions as well as they did," Woolf said, acknowledging a "missed opportunity" for a side that had been unbeaten through the group stage.
Meanwhile, New Zealand's women's team also reached the final with a 32-0 win over Samoa, led by a hat-trick from dual-code international Stacey Waaka. The Kiwi women will face either Australia or Fiji in the final, aiming to replicate the 2008 double when both New Zealand teams won titles on Australian soil.
