'One thing': Kiwis gun reveals key to Ponga miracle

Coach Stacey Jones said Ponga had "a few boxes to tick" as he leant on the advice of Hughes.

Ponga played for more than 20 minutes with his injury in New Zealand's epic tournament-opening 24-22 loss to Australia, before undergoing surgery in the hope of returning for the finals.

Kiwis halfback Hughes broke his arm against Brisbane in a final-round game in 2025, before returning for the preliminary final to inspire a victory over Cronulla.

He said there was "one thing I told KP" that would be vital for Ponga to get back for the clash with red-hot Tonga, also in 22 days.

"(Storm) had a week off after we won that first final, and we had a full opposed session and I wanted to get a full contact session in," Hughes said.

"That gave me all the confidence in the world that a week later I'd be able to do my job on the field. If I wasn't able to do that I wouldn't have played.

"(Ponga) has got to have confidence in his arm and feel right. You don't want him to worry about his arm the whole game because that will take away from his game.

"He is training really well. That's another step towards playing."

Jones kept his cards close to his chest when asked if Ponga would start the match if fit.

"We will get through one more session and see where it goes. Kalyn is looking pretty good," he said.

Ponga and fellow Newcastle fan favourite Phoenix Crossland, also named on an extended bench, could spell double trouble for Tonga.

A month after playing together in Newcastle's 19-18 NRL grand final loss to the Sydney Roosters, centre Dane Gagai is backing the former Dally M Medallist to terrorise Tonga, in what would be a huge boost for the Kiwis.

"That'll just come down to the boxes he'll have to tick with the physios and stuff, but one thing that's never in question is Kalyn's toughness and I don't think he gets enough credit or praise for it," Gagai said.

"Some of the games he's played with injury. It was only maybe a year or two ago with his AC (acromioclavicular joint) and getting that injected, but he'll put his head in most places that people won't put their hands.

"So I've got no doubt he'll do everything he can to make sure he can take that field. It's just a case of whether he can tick those boxes and he'll know whether he's capable of playing or not.

"He won't put himself before the team, but we'd obviously love to have him out there."

Jones said Crossland could also be a late inclusion, after completing a four-game suspension for a hip-drop tackle that broke Nathan Cleary's ankle in Newcastle's preliminary final victory over Penrith.

Knowing New Zealand will need their strongest possible line-up to keep Tonga at bay, Gagai also welcomed the prospect of the classy hooker featuring in the do-or-die showdown.

"He's come in a bit later into camp, but even though he wasn't playing he's always himself and brings a lot of energy," Gagai said.

"He's awesome to have around the place. It's going to be good to be able to chuck this jersey on with him and nice to know that the game against Penrith wasn't our last together.

"So I'm definitely looking forward to that and I'm super happy for him."