It took all their power and all of Kalyn Ponga's brilliance and toughness, but after getting past Tonga in Newcastle the World Cup is within New Zealand's grasp.
New Zealand came from behind to beat Tonga 34-10 to reach their first Rugby League World Cup final since 2013
Kalyn Ponga returns from a broken arm to inspire New Zealand to victory in a pulsating encounter with Tonga as they reach their first World Cup final since 2013.
It is 12 months since the Tonga forward was hospitalised after a series of head knocks and forced to sit out the 2026 season. But that hasn’t stopped him from playing a role in his country’s World Cup campaign.
It is 12 months since the Tonga forward was hospitalised after a series of head knocks and forced to sit out the 2026 season. But that hasn’t stopped him from playing a role in his country’s World Cup campaign.
Tonga will face New Zealand after winning all three group matches, before Samoa face Australia in a repeat of the 2022 final.
Follow all the action as the Pacific powerhouses clash at sold-out CommBank Stadium tonight.
Sports
Tonga’s defeat of Samoa in a pulsating match was not by enough to save England from an early World Cup exit
The scale and spectacle of Tonga's Rugby League World Cup win over Samoa was not just an instant classic, it proved a demand for this clash that rugby league must find a way to supply.
Follow all the action as the Pacific powerhouses clash at sold-out CommBank Stadium tonight.
Fears of over-tourism and the conduct of foreign operators are putting Tonga's whale-swimming industry in the spotlight.
Here’s another reason the Samoa v Tonga World Cup clash promises to be one of the explosive games in rugby league this year.
Ahead of the latest instalment of their timeless rivalry, a new generation of Samoan and Tongan stars have transformed from fans into the new heroes of their nation.
Technology
The former Manly hooker, who has served nearly four years in prison for stabbing a Mormon church leader in 2019, is due to be released on parole on Friday and attended Tonga training wearing an ankle monitor.
Technology
The former Manly hooker, who has served nearly four years in prison for stabbing a Mormon church leader in 2019, is due to be released on parole on Friday and attended Tonga training wearing an ankle monitor.
Sports
England need a few things to go their way next weekend to stay in the Men's Rugby League World Cup - but they have at least given themselves a chance.
Tonga's win over Lebanon kicked off what's expected to be a lopsided weekend in the Rugby League World Cup but there's still something to be gained amid the blow-outs.
Tonga and Samoa, once regarded as minnows of rugby league, are now top-drawer attractions at the Rugby League World Cup.