Phoenix Crossland joins Kiwis squad for World Cup semi-final

The New Zealand Kiwis have named Phoenix Crossland and Kalyn Ponga as reserves for their Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga in Newcastle this Saturday. Crossland joined the squad on Monday as a replacement for second-rower Jacob Laban, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a lower leg injury. Ponga has been included in the extended squad as he seeks a recovery from a broken left arm sustained during his test debut.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will start on the left wing to replace the suspended Ronaldo Mulitalo. The rest of the starting line-up remains unchanged from the Kiwis' recent 78-0 victory over Fiji. Tonga will field an unchanged side following their 20-18 win over Samoa.

Crossland, a Newcastle Knights hooker, was previously unavailable due to a four-match ban for a tackle on Nathan Cleary. He is now eligible for selection after a successful appeal to have the Kiwis' opening three World Cup games count towards his suspension.

Leading the scoring for New Zealand are centre Casey McLean and winger Jamayne Isaako.

How it developed

• Tue 3 Nov, 6:12pmThe report provided the full starting line-ups for both the Kiwis and Tonga, as well as the Kiwi Ferns squad.
• Tue 3 Nov, 6:45pmThe report detailed the Kiwis' recent scoring statistics and individual player milestones for McLean and Isaako.

Where reports differ

• One report states Laban's injury was confirmed by scans after missing training last week, while another notes he took no part in last week's training before scans revealed the extent of the injury

Compiled from reports by RNZ, 1News, Stuff and NZ Herald.