Live updates of the League World Cup clash between the Kiwis and Fiji.

Kiwis coach Stacey Jones is keeping his cards close to his chest over the prospect of star fullback Kalyn Ponga making a shock return for the Rugby League World Cup finals, just two weeks after breaking his left arm in the tournament opener against Australia.

On his debut for New Zealand, Ponga sustained the injury early in the second half of the Kiwis’ 24-22 defeat to the Kangaroos in Sydney, when Cameron Munster’s head struck him as he fell in a tackle.

The 28-year-old was in visible pain, but battled on for 20 minutes, scoring a stunning solo try in the process, before the discomfort became too much and he struggled to catch the ball.

Ponga returned home to Newcastle and underwent surgery the following day, with no timeline initially given for his potential return.

Remarkably, just 11 days after going under the knife, Ponga was back training with the team on the Gold Coast ahead of Saturday’s final pool match against Fiji

His left arm was heavily strapped, however, and he was not participating in contact drills.

Ponga won’t play against Fiji which is a must-win for the Kiwis if they are to reach the World Cup semi-finals, and should New Zealand advance, Jones will give him every chance of featuring.

“He got back into camp when we arrived here on the Gold Coast and he’s day to day at the moment,” Jones said. “We didn’t rule him out straight away and he was confident he could still play a part.

“When he picked up the injury, we thought his tournament was over. But he said, ‘I’m coming back, I want to be involved’. When a player has that mindset and that calibre of ability, you give them every chance

“He’s spoken about the passion and pride, particularly around why he wants to play for New Zealand. He’s got strong connections there, and the culture is a big part of it.

“At this stage, it’s more of a week-to-week proposition and we’ll have a better idea after this weekend.

With Ponga sidelined, fullback Keano Kini reclaimed the No 1 jersey in the Kiwis’ 82-16 win over the Cook Islands.

Kini described his performance in Christchurch as “up and down” and admitted he needed to improve ahead of a crucial match.

While he hopes Ponga can return later in the tournament, Kini is focused on making the most of his opportunity in the starting side.

“I’m just taking it week by week and putting my best foot forward,” Kini said. “It’s my proudest achievement to play for the Kiwis and put on the New Zealand jumper, especially in a World Cup.

“KP’s looking good and hopefully he can come back in the next few games and help us try and win the World Cup. I don’t know his exact medical situation, but knowing how tough he is, and the fact he stayed on for 20 minutes with a broken arm, it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s back in the next game or so.

“He’s a very relaxed fella, just does his own thing, and he gives me advice without me ever asking. He’s very knowledgeable about the game. He’s had an awesome year this year.”

Beating Fiji is no foregone conclusion.

The Bati pushed the Kangaroos last weekend in Brisbane and held a shock lead early in the second half before going down 36-22, which saw five-eighth Kurt Donoghoe named man of the match.

The Kiwis and Fiji also have World Cup history, with the match being just the third between both nations, which is currently with a win apiece.

Fiji famously knocked the Kiwis out of the 2017 World Cup with a 4-2 victory in a tryless quarter-final in Wellington, before New Zealand gained revenge with a hard-fought 24-18 win at the 2022 tournament.

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