Kalyn Ponga has returned to the field 23 days after breaking his arm to lead New Zealand to its first Rugby League World Cup final since 2013.
Ponga, who suffered the broken arm in the tournament’s opening match against Australia, had three try assists and a try-saving tackle to inspire the Kiwis to a 34-10 win.
But the highlight of the contest came before the opening whistle, when both sets of players engaged in one of the great moments in rugby league.
After New Zealand performed its Haka, in reply to the Sipi Tau from Tonga, the two sides stared each other down as time stood still.
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A packed house at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle got louder as the stare-down lengthened, a precursor to the historic semifinal that was to come.
Kiwi centre Casey McLean, who scored a crucial second-half try for his country, told ABC Sport the pre-match stare-down was a special moment that had him ready to give everything for his teammates on Saturday.
“We have such mana boys in our team that are leaders,” he said.
“We’ve just got to follow them, especially myself.
“I can learn so much off them, not just about being a player, but [also] my culture. They’re front runners for Māori boys and Kiwi boys.”
Ponga’s impact on the match was immediate, setting up back-rower Briton Nikora for the opening try in the third minute.
New Zealand dominated the opening quarter, before Tonga winger Jojo Fifita made a line break from his own goal-line, setting up a break down the left wing by Tolutau Koula, who then threw it back to Fifita for the length-of-the-field try.
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The belief in the Tongan camp grew, and they looked destined to score again when forward Demitric Vaimauga was clear and only had the much smaller Ponga to beat.
But Ponga produced a stunning try-saving tackle, one-on-one, to stop the much larger man.
“It just shows how much this Kiwi jersey means to him,” McLean said.
“To be able to put on a performance like that, it just shows how much of an amazing person he is.”
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Just one minute later, Fifita was in for a second to give Tonga the lead off a perfectly executed scrum play.
But a mistake from fullback Lehi Hopoate allowed Kiwi Dane Gagai to score and give the Kiwis a 12-10 half-time lead.
Down by just two points, Tonga had every reason to believe they could advance to the World Cup final for the first time.
But a significant change in weather at half-time meant they played into a howling headwind for the second 40 minutes.
Hopoate was peppered with high kicks he could not reach as the wind made predicting the landing near impossible, while halfback Isaiya Katoa struggled to kick the ball much further than 30 metres at the end of sets.
It meant the Kiwis were able to camp themselves in the Tongan half of the field for the entire second half, wearing them down and scoring four tries to seal a 24-point win.
“No excuses, you’ve got to take your hats off to the Kiwis,” Katoa said.
“The way they played footy tonight is the way you play in these conditions.”
New Zealand will face either Australia or Samoa in next Sunday’s final at Lang Park in Brisbane.
Relive all the action from Saturday’s Rugby League World Cup semifinals in the blog below.
That is all for the live blog
We will end tonight’s live coverage here.
New Zealand are through to the women’s and men’s Rugby League World Cup finals.
They will play in Brisbane next Sunday, but must wait until tomorrow to find out their opponents.
We hope you join us tomorrow for the second semifinals.
Goodnight.
Tomorrow’s Rugby League World Cup semifinals
- Women’s: Australia Jillaroos vs Fiji Bulikula from 5:45pm AEDT
- Men’s: Australia Kangaroos vs Toa Samoa from 8:05pm AEDT
Isaiya Katoa reflects on tonight’s semifinal defeat
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Casey McLean joins ABC Sport
Casey McLean has spoken to ABC Sport following New Zealand’s 34-10 win over Tonga in the Rugby League World Cup semifinal.
The centre scored a try, and will now head to Brisbane for the final.
The semi against Tonga was tense before the kick-off, with a stare-down between both sets of players following the Sipi Tau and Haka.
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Speaking with ABC Sport, McLean said it was a special moment to be part of.
We have such mana boys in our team that are leaders.
We’ve just got to follow them, especially myself.
I can learn so much off them, not just about being a player, but [also] my culture. They’re front runners for Māori boys and Kiwi boys.
FT: New Zealand 34 def. Tonga 10
Kalyn Ponga has returned from a broken arm to lead New Zealand to the Rugby League World Cup final after a tense and weather-affected semifinal against Tonga.
Ponga, who suffered the broken arm 23 days ago in the tournament’s opening match against Australia, had three try assists and a try-saving tackle, to inspire the Kiwis to a 34-10 win.
New Zealand will face either Australia or Samoa in next Sunday’s final at Lang Park in Brisbane.
80′ TRY: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (5) scores for New Zealand
The Kiwis have scored with the final play of the game.
They threw the footy around, trying to run the clock out.
Forward Erin Clark decided to put in a kick for the in-goal, and that kick was PERFECT.
Winger Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad charges onto the ball and grounds it.
New Zealand 34
Tonga 10
70′ TRY: Xavier Willison (17) scores for New Zealand
It’s lay-down misère — New Zealand are going to the final.
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Xavier Willison, who just came onto the field after passing a HIA, has stormed onto a short pass from Kalyn Ponga and crossed for New Zealand’s fifth try.
This game is over.
New Zealand 28
Tonga 10
69′ Tonga camped on their own goal-line
Tonga are 14 points down with 11 minutes to play.
They have had to defend several sets on their own line, just to keep themselves in the contest.
They are going to need something special to get back into the semifinal.
New Zealand 24
Tonga 10
59′ Tonga cannot kick long as wind remains intense
This strong wind you keep reading about is having a massive impact on this match.
Essentially, the wind is directly behind the Kiwis, and Tonga is struggling.
Halfback Isaiya Katoa tried kicking long down the field for territory, but the ball was held up by the wind, and barely went 20 metres.
54′ TRY: Jahrome Hughes (7) scores for New Zealand
The weather has wreaked havoc again.
The Kiwis put up another high kick that Tongan fullback Lehi Hopoate cannot get to.
Hopoate then drops the ball, and New Zealand have the ball with a great chance to score.
And the Kiwis do score.
Halfback Jahrome Hughes throws a dummy, then steps inside and through the defensive line to score.
In the context of this match, and with rain coming down, this is a big lead.
New Zealand 24
Tonga 10
51′ New Zealand go close as wind wreaks havoc
A high kick from New Zealand gets caught in the wind, and blows away from everyone and towards to Tongan goal-line.
The ball bounced into the in-goal, but the Kiwis were unable to ground the footy.
48′ TRY: Casey McLean (4) scores for New Zealand
What a passage of rugby league.
It started with Tonga making a big break, before a huge shot by Kiwi centre Dane Gagai forced the ball loose.
The Kiwis then rolled down the field and were on the doorstep of the Tongan goal-line.
Left centre Casey McLean got the ball, then produced a step to beat fellow Penrith Panthers teammate Paul Alamoti to score.
With a massive wind running up and down the field, Jamayne Isaako has a kick from the left touchline. Isaako kicks the footy essentially to the centre of the field, and the wind pushes it between the sticks.
New Zealand 18
Tonga 10
46′ Lehi Hopoate saves the day for Tonga
New Zealand runs the ball on the final play, and the short-side raid leads to Dane Gagai running for the goal-line.
Only Tongan fullback Lehi Hopoate can stop him, and the Tongan number 1 nails the ball-and-all tackle.
New Zealand 12
Tonga 10
44′ New Zealand miss a huge chance
Jahrome Hughes slices through the Tonga defence.
He runs clear and then passes for Briton Nikora, who will score if he catches the ball cleanly.
But a Tongan hand knocks the footy off course, and Nikora drops the ball.
New Zealand 12
Tonga 10
42′ Kiwis defend their goal-line
The Kiwis needed to defend stoutly to start the second half, and they did.
Tonga threw plenty at the Kiwis, but could not score a try to take the lead.
New Zealand 12
Tonga 10
Tonga kick the ball out, on the bounce, from the kick-off
The wind has picked up in Newcastle.
Tonga is kicking into the wind, and the kick-off to start the second half falls short.
New Zealand players allow the ball to bounce, and it goes out. Tonga get the ball.
A massive second half is just minutes away
C’mon Tonga! – step up a gear in the 2nd half…
– Mike
HT: New Zealand 12 lead Tonga 10
That brings an end to the first half — and what a half of footy it was.
The Kiwis exploded out of the gate, with Briton Nikora scoring in the third minute.
New Zealand dominated the opening 20 minutes, before Tonga winger Jojo Fifita made a line break from his own goal-line, setting up a break down the left wing by Tolutau Koula, who then threw it back to Fifita for the try.
Fifita was in for a second to give Tonga the lead, but a mistake from fullback Lehi Hopoate allowed Kiwi Dane Gagai to score and give the Kiwis a 12-10 half-time lead.
37′ TRY: Dane Gagai (3) scores for New Zealand
It is a disaster for Tonga.
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Jahrome Hughes puts in a grubber for Kalyn Ponga to chase.
Tonga fullback Lehi Hopoate has it covered, but he looks over his shoulder before he gathers the ball, AND HE BOBBLES IT.
He is taken out by Ponga — that is legal.
The ball bounces around the in-goal and Dane Gagai is there to ground the ball for the Kiwis.
Jamayne Isaako nails the conversion to give the Kiwis the lead.
New Zealand 12
Tonga 10
33′ TRY: Jojo Fifita (5) scores a second try for Tonga
Tonga has the lead.
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With a scrum just 10 metres from the New Zealand line, the Tongans shifted to the left and winger Jojo Fifita was able to reach out and ground the ball with one arm, with a defender all over him.
New Zealand 6
Tonga 10
32′ Kalyn Ponga makes a stunning try-saving tackle
Kalyn Ponga is playing without fear.
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Big Tongan Demitric Vaimauga was charging to the line, but Ponga was able to come across and made an amazing one-on-one tackle.
24′ Tonga lose their captain’s challenge
A bad challenge from Tonga.
They are penalised after Salesi Foketi illegally stripped the ball.
Tonga claimed the other defender in that tackle, Haumole Olakau’atu, was not actually holding onto the ball carrier.
That might be technically true, but he is underneath him in a tackle motion, and the bunker ruled the challenge unsuccessful.
New Zealand 6
Tonga 6
21′ TRY: Tonga go length of the field
Tonga has just scored one of the great World Cup tries.
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Jojo Fifita collected a kick on his goal-line, but broke through two defenders and was away.
He passes to his left, and then another pass to Tolutau Koula has the centre streaking down the wing.
Koula draws in Kiwi fullback Kalyn Ponga, then passes back to Fifita, who scores under the posts.
We are level.
New Zealand 6
Tonga
20′ Salesi Foketi nails Kalyn Ponga
WHACK.
Kalyn Ponga is returning a kick, and gets absolutely walloped by Tongan hooker Salesi Foketi.
That has set the tone.
19′ Kiwis miss a huge chance
Brilliant from the Kiwis.
Centre Casey McLean made a big break up the middle, getting the Kiwis into an attacking position.
The Tongans had to scramble for a full set.
On the final play, the Kiwis looked to have an overlap, but Joseph Tapine was unable to quickly catch and pass, dropping the footy.
New Zealand 6
Tonga 0
16′ Kiwis defend the goal-line well
Tonga tried to force their way over the goal-line, but the Kiwi defence was strong.
The Tongans got a fresh set of six after an infringement by the Kiwis (I think they were offside).
But the Kiwis were able to hold, with a last-play kick to the corner dropped by the Tongans.
14′ Tonga get a big chance
Tonga has a big chance.
They were awarded a penalty just 10 metres out after Kiwi winger Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad obstructed the Tonga kick-chase.
James Fisher-Harris (NZ) on report for raised knee while running with the ball
12′ Both teams settle into the contest
New Zealand and Tonga have both settled into this match.
Kalyn Ponga, 23 days after breaking his arm, looks threatening every time he has the ball.
The Kiwis are winning the territory battle, but the Tongans have had an attacking grubber to the in-goal, which was defused by the Kiwis.
3′ TRY: Briton Nikora (12) scores for New Zealand
BANG.
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The Kiwis struck first, and they struck fast.
New Zealand fullback Kalyn Ponga started the passage of play with a raid down the sideline, getting the Kiwis into position.
Ponga then gave a lovely short pass to Briton Nikora, and the back-rower muscles his way over the line.
New Zealand 6
Tonga 0
KICK-OFF: New Zealand vs Tonga
Tonga will have the first use of the ball, and prop Addin Fonua-Blake takes the first run.
He is met by a wall of black jerseys.
The Tongas get to their kick, and Kiwi fullback Kalyn Ponga collects the footy and makes his first run.
New Zealand and Tonga stare each other down
One of the most intense pre-match war cries has just taken place.
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Tonga was intense with the Sipi Tau, but copped a mighty reply from the New Zealand Haka.
Then, THE STARE DOWN.
Both sets of players stood, for what felt like an eternity, neither wanting to back down.
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New Zealand and Tonga walk onto Hunter Stadium
There is a massive crowd at Hunter Stadium, and there is plenty of red in the crowd.
MATCH WRAP: New Zealand into women’s final with dominant win
New Zealand cross-code superstar Stacey Waaka leads her country to another women’s Rugby League World Cup final, scoring three tries in a dominant win over Fetu Samoa.
Team lists: Tonga
Paul Alamoti (20) is in at centre, replacing the injured Robert Toia.
Backs
- 1 Lehi Hopoate
- 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
- 3 Tolutau Koula
- 20 Paul Alamoti
- 5 Jojo Fifita
- 6 Tuimoala Lolohea
- 7 Isaiya Katoa
Forwards
- 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
- 9 Salesi Foketi
- 10 Jason Taumalolo
- 11 Haumole Olakau’atu
- 12 Siua Wong
- 13 Tyson Frizell
Interchange
- 14 Soni Luke
- 15 Stefano Utoikamanu
- 16 Demitric Vaimauga
- 17 Taniela Paseka
- 18 Leka Halasima
- 19 Latu Fainu
Team lists: New Zealand
New Zealand have two MASSIVE ins.
Kalyn Ponga, 23 days after breaking his arm, will start at fullback for the Kiwis. That means Keano Kini goes back to the bench.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Crossland has been added to the six-man bench. He missed the pool matches due to suspension after a hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary in Newcastle’s preliminary final win over Penrith in September.
Backs
- 21 Kalyn Ponga
- 2 Jamayne Isaako
- 3 Dane Gagai
- 4 Casey McLean
- 5 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
- 6 Kodi Nikorima
- 7 Jahrome Hughes
Forwards
- 8 James Fisher-Harris
- 9 Jeremy Marshall-King
- 10 Moses Leota
- 11 Isaiah Papali’i
- 12 Briton Nikora
- 13 Joseph Tapine
Interchange
- 1 Keano Kini
- 14 Te Maire Martin
- 15 Naufahu Whyte
- 16 Erin Clark
- 17 Xavier Willison
- 22 Phoenix Crossland
What time is kick-off between the New Zealand and Tonga
Here is when the men’s Rugby League World Cup semifinal between New Zealand and Tonga will begin in each Australian state and territory, and each country in the tournament.
- 8:05pm AEDT: NSW, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania
- 7:35pm ACDT: South Australia
- 7:05pm AEST: Queensland, PNG
- 6:35pm ACST: Northern Territory
- 5:35pm AWST: Western Australia
- 9:05pm FJT: Fiji
- 10:05pm NZDT: New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa
- 11:05pm CKT: Cook Islands
- 9:05am BST: United Kingdom
- 10:05am CET: France
- 11:05pm EET: Lebanon
Player of the match Stacey Waaka speaks after New Zealand’s semfinal win
A tremendous outing for Stacey Waaka.
She scored three tries in the semifinal, and now has a chance to add the Rugby League World Cup to her list of accomplishments.
Waaka has already won two Olympic gold medals in rugby 7s and two women’s Rugby Union World Cups for New Zealand.
“A really close first half, but the team who was going to win was the one who played right to the end, then I think we done that,” Waaka told the 7 Network post-match
“I love playing games with these young guns. It’s fun learning off them too, because they’ve been in the game a little bit longer, but I’m just enjoying the whole experience.
“I can’t wait for this next week and bring on whoever is in the final with us.”
FULL-TIME: New Zealand 32 def. Fetu Samoa 0
New Zealand has secured its place in a seventh consecutive women’s Rugby League World Cup final after beating Fetu Samoa 32-0.
Having made the decider in all six previous tournaments, flyer Stacey Waaka scored three tries to guide her nation to semifinal triumph.
New Zealand will face either Australia or Fiji, who play the second semifinal in Sydney on Sunday.
67′ TRY: Raecene McGregor (7) scores for New Zealand
The scoreline is starting to get out of hand.
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The Kiwi Ferns again roll down the field, picking apart a very tired Fetu Samoa defence.
Captain Raecene McGregor has scored under the posts.
New Zealand 32
Fetu Samoa 0
64′ TRY: Stacey Waaka (4) scores a hat-trick
Oh. What a pass from Annessa Biddle.
The Kiwi Ferns were keeping the ball alive near the Fetu Samoa goal-line.
Interchange Annessa Biddle leaps over a downed defender and, while in the air, throws a one-handed flick pass to Stacey Waaka, who scores a third try.
New Zealand 26
Fetu Samoa 0
60′ TRY: Kaiyah Atai (12) scores for New Zealand
New Zealand have marched down the field and scored a fourth try.
Quick play-the-balls allowed the Kiwi Ferns to roll down the field, with Fetu Samoa’s defence in retreat.
Kaiyah Atai charged onto a short pass with defenders back-pedalling, and Atai muscled her way to the goal-line.
That’s it — lay-down misère. New Zealand are going to win.
New Zealand 22
Fetu Samoa 0
58′ TRY: Mele Hufanga (3) scores for New Zealand
That should be it.
The Kiwi Ferns had a goal-line dropout, which was dropped over the sideline by Samoan halfback Pauline Piliae-Rasabale.
That took the air out of this match, as it felt like Samoa’s chances were running out.
The Kiwi Ferns, aided by a penalty, marched down the field.
Destructive centre Mele Hufanga got the ball near the goal-line and shrugged off three defenders to score.
New Zealand 18
Fetu Samoa 0
52′ Alexis Tauaneai drops the ball with the line begging
The match could have been sealed for the Kiwi Ferns.
Ashleigh Quinlan made the linebreak near the goal-line, and as she was being tackled, passed inside to Alexis Tauaneai.
But Tauaneai could not hold onto the footy, and a certain try goes begging.
New Zealand 14
Fetu Samoa 0
50′ Fetu Samoa throws fourth forward pass as rain falls
Fetu Samoa has been its own worst enemy.
With the ball at halfway line, halfback Pauline Piliae-Rasabale tried to throw a cut-out pass to an open winger, but it went forward.
That is Fetu Samoa’s fourth forward pass in this match.
New Zealand 14
Fetu Samoa 0
44′ TRY: Stacey Waaka (4) scores for New Zealand
Excellent from New Zealand.
The play started with the Kiwi Ferns shifting to the left, then they passed back to the right.
Raecene McGregor put in a perfect little kick that was caught by a charging Stacey Waaka, who scored.
New Zealand 14
Fetu Samoa 0
Kalyn Ponga to start for Kiwis against Tonga
We have HUGE news from the New Zealand Kiwis.
Kalyn Ponga will start at fullback in tonight’s semifinal against Tonga.
Ponga broke his arm in the opening match of the tournament against Australia — 23 days ago.
Second half begins between New Zealand and Fetu Samoa
New Zealand, holding an eight-point lead, has the first use of the ball in the second half.
The Kiwi Ferns have an incident-free set, and kick clear.
The wind is still strong and will play a roll in this match.
History on the side of the Kiwi Ferns
This is the seventh Women’s Rugby League World Cup.
New Zealand have made it into the final in EVERY tournament.
They won the first three (2000, 2003, 2008), and have lost the final to Australia in the other three (2013, 2017, 2021).
HT: New Zealand 8 lead Fetu Samoa 0
That is the end of 35 minutes.
New Zealand have two tries and lead 8-0 over Fetu Samoa.
Neither team has been at their best, highlighting how tense a World Cup semifinal is.
34′ Kiwi Ferns throw away a great chance
The Kiwi Ferns had a scrum near halfway and could have had a full set to try and get a third try.
But a forward pass on the opening play of the set ended any hopes of a double-digit lead at the break.
Rain is heading for Newcastle
Bit of weather comming down?
– Mike
The clouds are getting bigger, and look dark.
The wind has also picked up, which will making catching the high ball very tricky.
25′ TRY: Stacey Waaka (4) scores for New Zealand
A lovely little chip kick to the in-goal from New Zealand halfback Raecene McGregor landed between two Fetuy Samoa players.
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Samoan winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala needed to attack the footy, but she backed off and let it bounce.
Kiwi Ferns star centre Stacey Waaka charged onto the loose ball and scored.
Meanwhile, the weather is looking ominous.
Thick, dark clouds are heading to Hunter Stadium, and the wind is so strong that the ball would not stay on the kicking tee.
New Zealand 8
Fetu Samoa 0
19′ Kiwi Ferns hold on the goal line
Terrific defence from New Zealand.
They had to defend four sets on their goal line, and they did it brilliantly.
A big worry for Fetu Samoa as they never really looked like scoring.
New Zealand 4
Fetu Samoa 0
18′ Fetu Samoa attack, and attack
Fetu Samoa got themselves to the goal line, then shifted left.
The Samoans won a penalty after a player was taken without the footy by New Zealand captain Raecene McGregor.
With another set at the goal line, Fetu Samoa continued to threaten, but the Kiwi Ferns defence was firm.
Fetu Samoa got a third chance when a pass was knocked down by the Kiwi Ferns, and then a fourth set when New Zealand were called offside.
New Zealand 4
Fetu Samoa 0
15′ Fetu Samoa with a great chance
Fetu Samoa has their best chance of the match, thus far.
Hooker Mary-Jane Taito nailed New Zealand winger Leianne Tufuga and forced the ball loose, giving Fetu Samoa a scrum just 20 metres out.
New Zealand 4
Fetu Samoa 0
10′ Kiwi Ferns threaten to score
Fetu Samoa needed to scramble to prevent a second try.
Mackenzie Wiki made a run for the right corner and was forced to throw the ball inside.
The ball hung in the air, and if Stacey Waaka could have caught the footy, it would have been a try.
But Waaka was hit as she tried to catch the footy over her head, and Fetus Samoa survived.
New Zealand 4
Fetu Samoa 0
5′ Samoa force an error, but give the ball straight back
After giving up the first try, Fetu Samoa worked their way back into the contest with strong defence.
The Samoan’s forced an error in New Zealand territory and earned a scrum.
But off the scrum, the Samoans dropped the footy and threw away a great chance to get into an attacking position.
New Zealand 4
Fetu Samoa 0
2′ TRY: Mackenzie Wiki (5) scores for New Zealand
Perfection from the Kiwi Ferns.
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With an early chance at Samoa’s goal line, the New Zealanders shifted to the right and winger Mackenzie Wiki touched down in the corner — completing the score with a lovely flip.
It was a nice pass from Stacey Waaka, basketball style, to Wiki for the try.
New Zealand 4
Fetu Samoa 0
1′ Forward pass for Samoa in its first set
Shocking start for Fetus Samoa.
Dummy half Mary-Jane Taito throws a forward pass early in the set.
KICK-OFF: The first women’s semifinal is underway
Referee Tara Jones blows her whistle, and we are underway at Hunter Stadium.
New Zealand kick the ball, and Samoa will have the first use of the footy.
Kiwi Ferns with the haka
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Fetu Samoa perform the Siva Tau
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Kiwi Ferns and Fetu Samoa on the field
Both sets of players have made their way onto Hunter Stadium.
New Zealand has never lost a Rugby League World Cup semifinal in the women’s competition.
Fetu Samoa are in their maiden semifinal, a major moment for the women’s game.
What time is kick-off between the New Zealand and Samoa
Here is when the women’s Rugby League World Cup semifinal between New Zealand and Samoa will begin in each Australian state and territory, and each country in the tournament.
- 5:45pm AEDT: NSW, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania
- 5:15pm ACDT: South Australia
- 4:45pm AEST: Queensland, PNG
- 4:15pm ACST: Northern Territory
- 2:45pm AWST: Western Australia
- 6:45pm FJT: Fiji
- 7:45pm NZDT: New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa
- 8:45pm CKT: Cook Islands
- 2:44am GMT: United Kingdom
- 3:45am CET: France
- 4:45am EET: Lebanon
VALE — Paul Langmack
The rugby league world lost one of it’s great people this week.
Paul Langmack, a man who won three premierships with Canterbury in the 1980s, and dedicated so much time in later years to running mental health programs, died this week aged 61.
Team list: Fetu Samoa
Samoa had to make a change after in-form winger Freedom Crichton Ropati suffered an ankle injury last week against England. Anastasia Leatupue (19) comes on to the wing, while Fanua Rimoni starts at lock and Tavarna Papalii moves to the bench.
Despite the underdog status (and a win today would be MASSIVE), Fetu Samoa boasts plenty of talent who have played at the highest level.
Ivana Lolesio knows all about State of Origin with Queensland, Annetta Nuuausala has been in a Test arena for nearly a decade (starting with New Zealand), while players like Destiny Mino-Sinapati (Titans) and Mercedez Taulelei-Siala (Knights) were big reasons their clubs played NRLW finals this season.
Backs
- 1 Destiny Mino-Sinapati x
- 2 Mercedez Taulelei-Siala x
- 3 Monica Tagoai x
- 4 Tyra Ekepati
- 19 Anastasia Leatupue
- 6 Evania Isa’ako x
- 7 Pauline Piliae-Rasabale
Forwards
- 8 Annetta Nuuausala cc
- 9 Mary-Jane Taito
- 10 Laikha Clarke
- 11 Leilani Wilson
- 12 Ivana Lolesio
- 13 Fanua Rimoni
Interchange
- 14 Tavarna Papalii
- 15 Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa
- 16 Jasmine Fogavini
- 17 Christian Pio
Reserve
- 18 Jaydika Tafua
Team list: New Zealand Kiwi Ferns
New Zealand are as advertised earlier in the week.
This is a proper side filled with class, and likely the only nation that could realistically challenge the Jillaroos for this year’s tite.
Halfback Raecene McGregor is a terrific game-manager, while powerhouse centre Mele Hufanga is a good a ball runner as there is in footy.
Hooker Georgia Hale is a born leader who will organise the team from dummy-half.
Backs
- 1 Apii Nicholls
- 2 Leianne Tufuga
- 3 Mele Hufanga
- 4 Stacey Waaka
- 5 Mackenzie Wiki
- 6 Chantay Kiria-Ratu
- 7 Raecene McGregor
Forwards
- 8 Alexis Tauaneai
- 9 Georgia Hale
- 10 Otesa Pule
- 11 Shaniece Monschau
- 12 Kaiyah Atai
- 13 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
Interchange
- 14 Ashleigh Quinlan
- 15 Annessa Biddle
- 16 Shannon Mato
- 17 Ivana Lauitiiti
Reserves
- 18 Brooke Anderson
What are the Rugby League semifinals this weekend
Saturday, November 7 at Newcastle’s Hunter Stadium
- Women’s: New Zealand Kiwi Ferns vs Fetu Samoa from 5:45pm AEDT
- Men’s: New Zealand Kiwis vs Mate Ma’a Tonga from 8:05pm AEDT
Sunday, November 8 at the Sydney Football Stadium
- Women’s: Australia Jillaroos vs Fiji Bulikula from 5:45pm AEDT
- Men’s: Australia Kangaroos vs Toa Samoa from 8:05pm AEDT
Welcome back to the ABC Sport Rugby League World Cup blog
G’day.
Welcome back to ABC Sport’s live digital coverage of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
We have reached the semifinals, and today, one nation in the men’s and women’s tournaments will book their spot in next Sunday’s final.
In the first women’s semifinal, New Zealand faces Samoa, followed by a blockbuster men’s semi — New Zealand vs Tonga.
Join us throughout the afternoon and evening as we bring you all of the action from Hunter Stadium in Newcastle.
dan