New Zealand Kiwis Defeat Tonga 34-10 to Secure Rugby League World Cup Final Spot

New Zealand has secured its place in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup final after defeating Tonga 34-10 in a semi-final clash at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday, November 7.

The Kiwis delivered a powerful second-half performance to overcome Tonga’s resistance and move within one victory of lifting the Rugby League World Cup trophy.

The semi-final started with both teams showing attacking intent, knowing a place in the tournament’s grand final was at stake.

 

New Zealand opened the scoring through Briton Nikora in the third minute, with Jamayne Isaako converting to give the Kiwis a 6-0 lead.

Tonga responded strongly and gradually worked their way back into the contest, applying pressure through their forwards and exploiting opportunities in the New Zealand defence.

Their efforts paid off when Jojo Fifita crossed for his first try in the 20th minute. Isaiya Katoa converted to level the scores at 6-6.

Fifita struck again in the 32nd minute, putting Tonga ahead 10-6 after Katoa missed the conversion.

However, New Zealand regained the lead shortly before half-time when Dane Gagai scored in the 36th minute. Isaako converted to give the Kiwis a 12-10 advantage at the break.

The second half proved decisive as New Zealand increased its intensity and began capitalising on Tonga’s defensive mistakes.

Casey McLean extended the Kiwis’ advantage with a try in the 47th minute, followed by another successful conversion from Isaako to make the score 18-10.

Jahrome Hughes crossed for another try in the 52nd minute, further strengthening New Zealand’s position as Tonga struggled to contain the attacking combinations.

Isaako continued his impressive goal-kicking performance, converting the try to extend the lead to 24-10.

With the match increasingly slipping away from Tonga, New Zealand continued to dominate possession and apply pressure.

Xavier Willison scored in the 69th minute, with Isaako again converting to make it 30-10.

The Kiwis completed their scoring in the 79th minute when Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad crossed for the final try of the match.

Isaako added the conversion to complete a successful night with the boot, finishing with five conversions from six attempts.

The final whistle confirmed New Zealand’s 34-10 victory and a place in the Rugby League World Cup final.

New Zealand fullback Kalyn Ponga was among the standout performers, making an important contribution to the Kiwis’ attacking performance despite returning from a broken arm.

Ponga played an important role in several scoring opportunities and produced a crucial try-saving tackle during the match. His performance was particularly impressive after breaking his arm just 23 days earlier in the tournament’s opening match against Australia.

The Kiwis’ attacking combinations, defensive discipline and ability to capitalise on Tonga’s mistakes proved decisive in the second half.

Tonga showed considerable determination during the opening period but was unable to maintain the same intensity after the break.

Match Details

New Zealand 34 defeated Tonga 10

Half-time: New Zealand 12-10 Tonga

Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Ground conditions: Good

Weather: Rain

New Zealand Try Scorers

Briton Nikora (3'), Dane Gagai (36'), Casey McLean (47'), Jahrome Hughes (52'), Xavier Willison (69') and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (79').

Tonga Try Scorer

Jojo Fifita (20', 32').

Conversions

Jamayne Isaako: 5 from 6 attempts.

Isaiya Katoa: 1 from 2 attempts.

The victory sends New Zealand into the 2026 Rugby League World Cup final, where the Kiwis will face the winner of the second men’s semi-final between Australia and Samoa.

New Zealand will now have the opportunity to compete for the tournament’s ultimate prize after successfully overcoming Tonga’s challenge.

For Tonga, the defeat ends its World Cup campaign despite an impressive tournament performance and a memorable semi-final appearance.

The Kiwis will enter the final with confidence after demonstrating their attacking strength, defensive resilience and ability to perform under pressure when it mattered most.