Ponga charged before New Zealand opener

Kalyn Ponga to play for NZ at Rugby League World Cup

The Roosters edged the Knights by one point in a grand final watched by more than 80,000 fans.

Kalyn Ponga remains available for New Zealand's Rugby League World Cup opener against Australia next Thursday. The NRL Match Review Committee charged him with a Grade 1 careless high tackle after his 25th-minute shot on Victor Radley.

Ponga was penalised but stayed on the field. The tackle prompted debate, including suggestions he might have been sin-binned during the regular season.

It is the first charge on Ponga's record. He faces a $1,000 fine if he pleads guilty early, or $1,500 if he contests the charge and loses.

NRL suspensions apply to international matches, but the charge does not prevent Ponga from playing. He must decide how to plead by midday AEDT on Tuesday.

The committee issued no other charges, despite an apparent late hip drop and an early shoulder charge by Roosters forward Naufahu Whyte.

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