A place in the Rugby League World Cup Final is on the line as New Zealand and Tonga meet in what promises to be one of the matches of the tournament. The Kiwis have grown stronger with every game, bouncing back from their opening-round loss to Australia to win their next two matches by a combined score of 160-16. Tonga, meanwhile, topped the combined Pool B and C standings with victories over England, Lebanon and Samoa, underlining their credentials as genuine World Cup contenders.
The stakes could not be higher. New Zealand is seeking its first World Cup Final appearance since 2013, while Tonga is chasing a historic first-ever appearance in the sport’s biggest match. With star power across the park and little separating the two nations in recent meetings, a place in the final may come down to whichever side handles the pressure best.
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Men’s Rugby League World Cup
- New Zealand vs Tonga → new-zealand-vs-tonga-rlwc-semi-final-preview-2026
- Australia vs Samoa → australia-vs-samoa-rlwc-semi-final-preview-2026
Matchday Details
Saturday, November 7, 8:05pm AEDT at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Referee: Grant Atkins | Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond
New Zealand: 1. Keano Kini, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. James Fisher-Harris (c), 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Moses Leota, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Briton Nikora, 13. Joseph Tapine, 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Naufahu Whyte, 16. Erin Clark, 17. Xavier Willison, 18. Scott Sorensen, 19. Leo Thompson, R. Tanner Stowers-Smith, R. Kalyn Ponga, R. Phoenix Crossland
Tonga: 1. Lehi Hopoate, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Tolutau Koula, 4. Robert Toia, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Tuimoala Lolohea, 7. Isaiya Katoa, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Salesi Foketi, 10. Jason Taumalolo (c), 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Siua Wong, 13. Tyson Frizell, 14. Soni Luke, 15. Stefano Utoikamanu, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Taniela Paseka, 18. Leka Halasima, 19. Latu Fainu, R. Paul Alamoti, R. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, R. Sione Katoa
Match Preview
New Zealand could call upon two big hitters from Newcastle – at the home of the Knights – from the reserve bench to help them get through to their first World Cup Final since 2013. Kalyn Ponga and Phoenix Crossland are in the squad for the clash against Tonga after missing most of the World Cup due to an arm injury and a suspension respectively. Another change in the Kiwis’ squad is Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad getting called up to start after the panel served Ronaldo Mulitalo with a one-game ban.
Kristian Woolf has named the same 19-man squad that beat bitter rivals Samoa last week. Isaiya Katoa played the full 80 minutes in his return from an ankle injury and will again partner with Huddersfield Giants’ Tui Lolohea in the halves.
These sides have played each other five times in the last 10 years: New Zealand have prevailed three times and Tonga picked up the other two victories. The last game, just over a year ago, ended with the Kiwis controlling the game from the first tackle and winning 40-14. This game should be much closer, with a place in the World Cup Final up for grabs, and arguably represents Tonga’s best opportunity yet to challenge for the trophy.
This will be a chess match on the field and any slip-up could cost a country a shot at World Cup glory. Since game one, everyone has been talking about an Australia vs New Zealand World Cup Final, but Tonga will have a massive say in how this ends up and there could be a sea of red at Suncorp Stadium on the 15th of November.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Tonga by 4.
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