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

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

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

The Kiwis led 12-10 at half-time after Tonga fought back through two tries from Jojo Fifita. New Zealand opened the scoring through Briton Nikora before Dane Gagai restored their advantage just before the break.

New Zealand took control in the second half, scoring four unanswered tries through Casey McLean, Jahrome Hughes, Xavier Willison and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to secure a convincing victory.

Jamayne Isaako contributed five conversions from six attempts, while Isaiya Katoa converted one of Tonga's two tries.

Kalyn Ponga also produced an impressive performance for the Kiwis despite recently returning from a broken arm.

The victory sends New Zealand into the World Cup final, where they will meet the winner of the second semi-final between Australia and Samoa.

Tonga's campaign ends in the semi-finals after a determined performance, particularly during the opening half, but they were unable to match New Zealand's intensity after the break.