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World Cup Late Mail: Men's Semi-Finals – Ponga returns; Toia out
Official squads, team lists and schedule for the 2026 Men's Rugby League World Cup semi-finals.
NOTE: The World Cup will be played under NRL rules with six players on the interchange bench. Only four of those players may be used as per NRL rules.
New Zealand: Superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga has been added to the starting side 90 minutes before kick-off. Ponga returns just three weeks after breaking his arm in the opening game against Australia. Phoenix Crossland has been added to the six-man interchange as he returns from the four-game suspension arising from the NRL preliminary final. Keano Kini has moved to the interchange to make way for Ponga while Scott Sorensen and Leo Thompson drop out. The one-game ban for winger Ronaldo Mulitalo sees Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad called up to start.
Tongan league fans bring world cup party to South Dunedin
Flags were flying and car horns tooting in South Dunedin, as fans of the Tongan rugby league team anticipated a crunch game against the Kiwis.
Fans there were clear about their allegiances – they were for Tonga.
The Rugby League World Cup semifinal between New Zealand and Tonga is due to start at 10.05pm.
The match is being played at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, Australia.
Copyright Allied Press Limited, trading as Allied Media 2026. All rights reserved.
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Vavaʻu erupts in red and white bicycle parade as Tonga facing Kiwi this evening
Hundreds of red-and-white Tongan flags filled the streets of Vavaʻu as prominent social media influencer Siaki Lonitenisi organised a colourful bicycle parade to rally support for the Tonga National Rugby League XIII ahead of this evening’s clash with the New Zealand Kiwis.
The celebrations came ahead of Tonga’s highly anticipated Rugby League World Cup semi-final against the New Zealand Kiwis tonight, Saturday, 7 November, with the unbeaten Tongan side seeking a fourth consecutive victory and a place in the final.
Similar celebrations have taken place among Tongan communities overseas, including in New Zealand, Australia and Portland in the United States, where supporters have organised vehicle convoys, waved national flags and gathered to celebrate Mate Maʻa Tonga’s World Cup campaign.
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