New Zealand were defeated in cruel fashion by Australia in the opening game of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup and matters could get worse as star full-back Kalyn Ponga has suffered a suspected broken arm.

The Kiwis were the better team for the majority of the 80 minutes but it was Australia who came out on top as they won 24-22 in what was one of the best World Cup games in memory.

Debutant Jack Bostock scored a hat-trick with his third try securing the win and by that point, Kalyn Ponga was already off the field after suffering a suspected broken arm.

Incredibly, Ponga suffered that injury midway through the second half but would play on for a further 17 minutes and even managed to score his sensational second try whilst carrying the injury.

He was removed late in the game and replaced by Keano Kini as Kalyn Ponga went down the tunnel and returned with a sling on his left arm.

The 28-year-old will now head for scans and if those scans confirm a broken arm then it likely rules him out for the remainder of the tournament, with the final to be played in a month’s time on November 15th.

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It was the first time that Kalyn Ponga had represented New Zealand with the rule change around the eligibility of those who have played State of Origin allowing him to play.

Born in Australia to Kiwi parents, Ponga had represented Queensland since 2018 and also played for Australia in the 2019 Nines tournament, however, he was granted an international allegiance change to represent his heritage ahead of this World Cup.

In the 70 minutes that he played, Ponga racked up a game-leading 253 metres and made three line breaks, the most of any player. He also scored two tries in what was a sensational debut that was sadly cut short. The hope now is that scans show he has not broken his arm so that his tournament is not over.

Renowned social media account @NRLPhysio explained what a fractured arm would mean, stating: “If fracture is confirmed unfortunately his World Cup campaign would likely be over, with 1-2 months recovery often needed for adequate bone healing.”

Kalyn Ponga will go for scans after suffering a suspected forearm fracture.

Contact mechanism – copped a direct blow to the forearm while making a tackle. If fracture is confirmed unfortunately his World Cup campaign would likely be over, with 1-2 months recovery often needed for adequate bone healing.

Insane effort – he was able to play on for 17 minutes after the initial injury & score an amazing individual try. To potentially do that with a broken arm is some toughness #RLWC2026

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) October 15, 2026

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