New Zealand vs Tonga Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup | Semi-Final
by Alex Sarwar ·
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
New Zealand face Tonga for a place in the final, with the latter still undefeated after three games played.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / USA – Premier Player
Tickets: Visit this link to access the latest 2026 Rugby League World Cup tickets
New Zealand team news: Ponga makes dramatic comeback
After breaking his arm against Australia in New Zealand’s opener, Kalyn Ponga is set to make his return and could have a huge role to play in this semi-final. Meanwhile, Phoenix Crossland could make his first appearance of the competition having missed his side’s first three games through suspension.
Squad: Keano Kini, Jamayne Isaako, Dane Gagai, Casey McLean, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Kodi Nikorima, Jahrome Hughes, James Fisher-Harris, Jeremy Marshall-King, Moses Leota, Isaiah Papali'i, Briton Nikora, Joseph Tapine, Te Maire Martin, Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark, Xavier Willison, Scott Sorensen, Leo Thompson, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Kalyn Ponga, Phoenix Crossland
Tonga team news: Unchanged side expected
Tonga are expected to roll with the same side who won in their final pool stage fixture against Samoa, with no injuries suffered and Isaiya Katoa coming through the contest unscathed following his return.
Squad: Lehi Hopoate, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Tolutau Koula, Robert Toia, Jojo Fifita, Tuimoala Lolohea, Isaiya Katoa, Addin Fonua-Blake, Salesi Foketi, Jason Taumalolo, Haumole Olakau'atu, Siua Wong, Tyson Frizell, Soni Luke, Stefano Utoikamanu, Demitric Vaimauga, Taniela Paseka, Leka Halasima, Latu Fainu, Paul Alamoti, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Sione Katoa
Which of these two teams will go through to the final?
Open poll and resultsNew Zealand vs Tonga prediction
New Zealand’s only defeat so far came in their opening game at the hands of Australia in an absolute classic and there’s every chance this semi-final could be just as thrilling between the Kiwis and Tonga, who have massively impressed so far at this World Cup. After beating England in a crucial first match, Kristian Woolf’s side haven’t taken their foot off the gas pedal, ‘nilling’ Lebanon before edging past extremely well-matched opposition in Samoa by a score of 20-18.
While New Zealand are expected to start this semi-final encounter as favourites, this really does have the potential to go either way. The last time these two nations collided in the World Cup, Tonga emerged victorious, winning 28-22 in 2017. They have defended brilliantly across the tournament so far and if any team is capable of shutting down this vaunted Kiwi offense, it would be them, led by an outstanding head coach in Woolf, who is a proven winner. With that in mind, backing Tonga to upset New Zealand warrants serious consideration as the value play.
New Zealand vs Tonga tip: Tonga to win
Upcoming Events
