New Zealand booked their place in the Rugby League World Cup final with a 34-10 win over Tonga in the first semi-final at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday night, inspired by Kalyn Ponga’s remarkable comeback from a broken arm.
Ponga, who broke his left arm less than four weeks ago in the tournament opener against Australia, returned after just 23 days and had a hand in multiple tries, according to Fox Sports and Code Sports. The Kiwis will face either Australia or Samoa in the final at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday, November 15.
Tonga had led 10-6 midway through the first half before New Zealand took control, with Dane Gagai’s try just before the break edging the Kiwis in front.
A 65-second stare-down
The match began with one of the great World Cup moments. After New Zealand finished their Haka, the Tongan players stood in a line and refused to move as both sets of players stared each other down for 65 seconds in wild conditions in Newcastle.
Tonga won the pre-game standoff, but New Zealand won on the scoreboard. Jojo Fifita scored twice for Tonga, including a fabulous break to put them in front, but that was their last try as the Kiwis took over in the second half.
Ponga’s moment of courage
Ponga’s return was the story of the night. The Newcastle Knights captain, named to start at fullback for the must-win semi-final, delivered one huge moment of courage when Tongan enforcer Demetric Vaimauga broke through New Zealand’s defensive line and had only Ponga to beat metres from the try line.
Ponga set up Briton Nikora for New Zealand’s early lead and was involved throughout as the Kiwis pulled away in the patchy rain to win by 24 points.
What comes next
New Zealand finished runners-up in Group A, while Tonga won the combined Group B-C, beating England, Lebanon and Samoa to reach the semi-finals. The second semi-final, Australia against Samoa, is at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday, with the winner meeting the Kiwis in Brisbane next weekend.
The Kiwis’ win also continues a strong tournament for New Zealand, who finished runners-up in Group A behind Australia after losing the tournament opener to the Kangaroos — the same match in which Ponga broke his arm. His return, 23 days later, completes a remarkable recovery and gives the Kiwis their most dangerous attacking weapon back for the final.
Related reading: Kiwi Ferns Crush Samoa 32-0 to Reach Women’s Final
Sources: Fox Sports (Nov 7, 2026); Code Sports (Nov 7, 2026); BBC live text (Nov 7, 2026).
