New Zealand have named Kalyn Ponga on the reserve list for their Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga, just three weeks after he broke his forearm in the tournament opener against Australia.
Hooker Phoenix Crossland has also been included on the reserve list after completing a four-match ban for the tackle that ruled Nathan Cleary out of the World Cup.
Ponga suffered the broken arm on 15 October during New Zealand's 24-22 loss to Australia, playing on for around 20 minutes before surgery. Head coach Stacey Jones had expressed hope Ponga could be fit for the final on 15 November if New Zealand advanced.
Crossland missed the entire group stage while serving his suspension for a 'hip-drop' tackle on Cleary during the NRL play-offs on 27 September, which left Cleary with a compound fracture and dislocation of his left ankle. Crossland also missed the NRL Grand Final and all three of New Zealand's Group A matches.
Both Crossland and Cleary are currently reserves for Saturday's semi-final in Newcastle, New South Wales (09:05 GMT), but could be moved into the 19-man matchday squad later this week.
Men's semi-finals
Tonga, who eliminated England with a 30-12 win on 17 October and topped Group B-C with a 20-18 victory over Samoa, are unchanged from their final group match. They will look to repeat their 2017 World Cup group-stage win over New Zealand.
In the other men's semi-final on Sunday (09:05 GMT), reigning champions Australia face Samoa in Sydney. Australia's XIII is unchanged, with Reece Walsh continuing at full-back ahead of James Tedesco. Samoa bring in Ronald Volkman at stand-off after losing Chanel Harris-Tavita to a hamstring injury.
Women's semi-finals
In the women's semi-finals, Australia return to full strength against Fiji on Sunday (06:45 GMT) after resting players for their final group game against Wales. Key players including Jocelyn Kelleher, Millie Elliott, Simaima Taufa, Olivia Higgins, Tiana Penitani Gray, Shaylee Bent, Olivia Kernick, and Maria Paseka return.
New Zealand face Samoa in the women's semi-final on Saturday (06:45 GMT), with Samoa having eliminated England 24-6 in Wollongong last Friday.
