Kalyn Ponga sent for immediate surgery as mystery surrounds Rugby League World Cup hopes

Kalyn Ponga’s hopes of playing for New Zealand again at the Rugby League World Cup hang by a thread after the superstar fullback was booked in for surgery on a broken radius in his left arm.

The 28-year-old failed to finish his long-awaited Kiwis debut against the Kangaroos on Thursday night, suffering a break early in the second half and toughing it out until the 70th minute.

He scored two tries in the 24-22 loss — including one after the injury — and will now head in for an operation.

“We wish Kalyn all the best with his surgery today,” New Zealand team doctor Greg Macleod said.

The Newcastle captain is viewed as critical to the Kiwis’ hopes of claiming their first World Cup since 2008.

“He’s obviously disappointed, but there’s a bit of upbeat about him too. He really wants to still be involved,” coach Stacey Jones said on Thursday night.

If his tournament is over, the Kiwis will have the option to ask for clearance to add an additional player to their squad.

“He’s a tough guy and obviously has a lot of pride in the black and white jersey, and he doesn’t want to let his teammates down,” said Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris.

“I thought he did an outstanding job, he’s a freakish player, but he’s also one of those tough players. We’re feeling for him right now, but fingers crossed it’s not too bad.”

Ponga, who received clearance earlier this year to switch his allegiance to New Zealand, was replaced by Keano Kini for the last 10 minutes.

Jones said Kini would likely replace Ponga for next week’s clash with Cook Islands.

The Kiwis’ narrow loss to Australia was one that will burn Jones for a while.

Two of the Kangaroos’ five tries were the result of interceptions and another two were from kicks.

The Kiwis dominated territory but lacked the polish to make Australia pay for their mistakes.