Ponga listed on extended bench for Kiwis in semifinal
The Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns have named their sides for the Rugby League World Cup semifinals with Newcastle star Kalyn Ponga set to make a miraculous return after breaking his arm in game one.
Hooker Phoenix Crossland in line to be called into the 19 later in the week having served a four-game suspension arising from the NRL preliminary final. Crossland came into the squad earlier in the week for the injured Jacob Laban.
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The one-game ban for winger Ronaldo Mulitalo sees Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad called up to start. Leo Thompson is the new face on the six-man bench.
Meanwhile, the Kiwi Ferns are set for a semifinal clash with Fetu Samoa.
Following three strong wins in the pool stages, coach Ricky Henry said the Kiwi Ferns are approaching this match with the same tenacity, as he has assembled an experienced side for the crucial clash.
The return of Warriors centre Mele Hufanga to the lineup will be immense, with the powerful ball carrier creating a lethal combination with Leianne Tufuga on the left wing.
"Mele is a big game player; she's proven time and time again that when she puts on the black jersey, she grows another leg. So looking for a bit of strike there for her to play her best footy," Henry said.
Additional star power assembles on the right edge with Stacey Waaka and Mackenzie Wiki continuing their thriving try-scoring partnership.
Following a thrilling long-range try last week off the bench, Otesa Pule moves to a starting prop spot, with Alexis Tauaneai.
Meanwhile, Chantay Kiria-Ratu will rejoin Raecene McGregor to steer the team in the halves. She was a stalwart for the New Zealand side during their record-breaking 92-0 win over France, so she earns another opportunity this weekend.
Fetu Samoa have won convincingly in their last two pool matches, and Henry acknowledges the threat they will present this Saturday.
"They're a team that's riding a high, and they're confident. We're looking forward to a really tough battle, and it's going to be great for women's rugby league and the World Cup," said Henry.
Kiwi Ferns vs Fetu Samoa
7.45pm Saturday 7 November
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Kiwi Ferns vs Samoa:
1.Apii Nicholls, 2. Leianne Tufuga, 3. Mele Hufanga, 4. Stacey Waaka, 5. Mackenzie Wiki, 6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu, 7. Raecene McGregor (Co-Captain), 8. Alexis Tauaneai, 9. Georgia Hale (Co-Captain), 10. Otesa Pule, 11. Shaniece Monschau, 12. Kaiyah Atai, 13. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa.
Interchange:14. Ashleigh Quinlan 15 Annessa Biddle 16. Shannon Mato 17. Ivana Lauitiiti.
Reserves: 18. Brooke Anderson 19. Brianna Clark 20. Zahara Temara 21. Abigail Roache 22. Tenika Willison.
Kiwis vs Tonga
10.05pm Saturday 7 November
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Kiwis vs Tonga:
1. Keano Kini, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Moses Leota, 11. Isaiah Papali'i, 12. Briton Nikora, 13. Joseph Tapine.
Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Naufahu Whyte, 16. Erin Clark, 17. Xavier Willison, 18. Scott Sorensen, 19. Leo Thompson.
Reserves: 20. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 21. Kalyn Ponga, 22. Phoenix Crossland.
