Ponga returns as New Zealand beat Tonga 34–10 to reach World Cup final

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New Zealand reached their first men’s Rugby League World Cup final since 2013 with a 34–10 victory over Tonga in Newcastle on Saturday, 7 November. The Kiwis scored 22 unanswered points after half-time to turn a narrow lead into a decisive win.

Kalyn Ponga returned from a broken arm to start at full-back and helped create New Zealand’s opening try for Briton Nikora. His involvement gave the Kiwis an early advantage at McDonald Jones Stadium, but Tonga responded strongly.

Jojo Fifita scored twice for Tonga, finishing a long-range move involving Tui Lolohea and Tolu Koula before adding a second from a scrum. That put the Pacific island side 10–6 ahead late in the first half.

New Zealand regained the lead before the interval when Dane Gagai scored after Tonga failed to deal with a kick near their own line. The conversion left the Kiwis 12–10 up at the break, with the match still closely balanced.

They then made better use of the wind that complicated the contest. Casey McLean extended their advantage with a try early in the second half, and Jahrome Hughes followed him over as New Zealand moved 24–10 clear.

Tonga were unable to score again. Xavier Willison added the Kiwis’ fifth try before Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad grounded a late kick to complete a six-try performance and secure the final place.

New Zealand prop Naufahu Whyte left the match with an ankle problem early in the second half and did not return, giving the team an injury concern ahead of the decider.

The Kiwis will face either Australia or Samoa in the final. Those teams meet in the other men’s semi-final at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday, 8 November, with kick-off at 09:05 GMT.

Sources

• NRL: New Zealand defeat Tonga to reach first World Cup final since 2013 (2026-11-07)
• Love Rugby League: Ponga helps New Zealand secure 34–10 semi-final win (2026-11-07)
• Rugby League World Cup: Official semi-final schedule