New Zealand and Tonga meet for place in Rugby League World Cup final
New Zealand and Tonga meet for place in Rugby League World Cup final
New Zealand face Tonga in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup semi-final at Newcastle International Sports Centre in Australia.
The Kiwis reached the knockout match after a 78-0 victory over Fiji, led by four tries from Casey McLean, and a narrow 24-22 pool defeat by Australia. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad replaced the suspended Ronaldo Mulitalo on the wing, while Kalyn Ponga returned to the reserves after a broken arm.
Tonga advanced following a 20-18 win over Samoa and retained the same 19-player squad. Isaiya Katoa and Tui Lolohea formed the halves pairing, with former New Zealand captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak representing Tonga in a match that could send the country to its first World Cup final in any sport.
Free coverage was listed on 7plus in Australia and ThreeNow in New Zealand, with broadcast availability elsewhere depending on local rights.
X.Maes--JdB
