Teammates are marvelling at Kalyn Ponga's resilience as the New Zealand game-breaker eyes a miracle World Cup return 22 days after breaking an arm.
After being named on an extended bench, Ponga and fellow Newcastle fan favourite Phoenix Crossland could spell double trouble for Tonga in Saturday night's semi-final at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium.
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.
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 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."
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 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."
