# Walsh vomits and Ponga struggles as World Cup opener takes physical toll

BBC Sport reports that players Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga showed visible signs of physical strain during the opening match of the Rugby League World Cup. Walsh was seen vomiting and Ponga appeared in pain, highlighting the punishing conditions of the tournament's first game.

**Importance:** 2/5

## Sources

### Sports
- [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/c574pn7j0yp3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:07:28 GMT
- [The Guardian Sport](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/oct/16/kalyn-ponga-new-zealand-kiwis-rugby-league-world-cup-injury) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 04:43:21 GMT
- [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/c83vqd73k0xlo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — Sat, 17 Oct 2026 11:04:05 GMT
- [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/videos/cm70prd68l5jo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — Sat, 17 Oct 2026 17:59:48 GMT