New Zealand star Ponga breaks arm in Rugby League World Cup opener

Star New Zealand fullback Kalyn Ponga faces missing the rest of the Rugby League World Cup after scans Friday showed he broke his arm in the thrilling tournament opener against Australia.

Ponga, who switched allegiance from Australia to New Zealand this year, scored two tries and pulled off a try-saving tackle as his side fell 24-22 in Sydney on Thursday.

He played on for 20 minutes after the injury before leaving the field in the 70th minute.

Team doctor Greg Macleod said in a statement the Newcastle Knights captain had been booked in for surgery "after breaking the radius in his left arm".

"We wish Kalyn all the best with his surgery today," added Macleod, who left open the possibility that he could return before the tournament final on November 15.

"We'll see how that goes but for now he will remain in camp."

Ponga was widely viewed as critical to the Kiwis' hopes of claiming their first World Cup since 2008.

New Zealand face the Cook Islands in Christchurch next week before wrapping up their group stage against Fiji.

"He's a tough bugger and obviously has a lot of pride in the black and white jersey, and he doesn't want to let his teammates down," Kiwi captain James Fisher-Harris said after the match.

"I thought he did an outstanding job, he's a freakish player. We're feeling for him right now."

Australia have their own injury worries with half-back Mitchell Moses hurting his calf in the game, limping off early in the second-half.