New Zealand Fullback Ponga Breaks Forearm in Rugby League World Cup Opener
New Zealand fullback Kalyn Ponga will undergo surgery on a broken forearm suffered in the Rugby League World Cup opener against Australia in Sydney on October 15, a major blow to the Kiwis' title hopes. New Zealand lost the match 24-22.
Ponga, who was born in Australia and plays for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League, is a central figure in the Kiwis side. The 28-year-old was injured in a second-half tackle involving Kangaroos five-eighth Cameron Munster. Ponga stayed on the field to score the second of his two tries after the tackle, before leaving the match in the 70th minute. Kiwis team doctor Greg Macleod confirmed Ponga had been booked in for surgery and would remain in camp for now.
New Zealand have not ruled Ponga out of the tournament, but he has little chance of playing again in the competition. The World Cup final is scheduled for November 15.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：身披纽卡斯尔骑士队球衣的卡林·彭加在比赛中持球进攻。图片来源：RegionalQueenslander，CC BY-SA 4.0。Photo: Kalyn Ponga in action for the Newcastle Knights. Image: RegionalQueenslander, CC BY-SA 4.0.
