New Zealand can end its wait for a Rugby League World Cup title dating back to 2008 by beating Australia in Sunday night's final in Brisbane.
Kalyn Ponga will be central to that challenge, after helping the Kiwis beat Tonga 34-10 in Saturday's semi-final with three try assists.
He returned just three weeks after breaking his arm in New Zealand's opening loss to Australia; surgeons fitted a plate and 11 screws in his left arm.
Ponga said he took heart from teammate Jahrome Hughes's similar recovery during Melbourne Storm's 2025 NRL finals campaign.
"I like a challenge and I knew (Jahrome) Hughesy had gone through similar, and that's all I needed to know. Someone else had done it before, so I could too," Ponga said.
"It pretty well all went to plan, even though it only came good late. Even last week it was still pretty sore and I wasn't quite sure, but I knew a couple of days ago I was right to go."
Ponga's international allegiances have drawn scrutiny throughout his career. Born in Western Australia and raised in Mt Isa, he has Maori heritage and has represented Queensland 13 times.
His appearances for the Maori All Stars and Australia's short-lived nines team added to the debate.
Before the 2024 Pacific Championships, Ponga made himself unavailable for Australia. Changes to eligibility rules at the start of that year eventually pushed him towards New Zealand, where he has become a key player.
"I've bided my time in wanting to play for New Zealand and felt like this was the right decision for me," Ponga said.
"I've copped some backlash for that, but at the end of the day it's who I am. It's my culture."
He also said he was proud to be playing for a World Cup, and described the chance to pursue the title as a reward for the team and the country.
The final comes about a month after Ponga helped Newcastle Knights reach the NRL grand final.