Rugby League World Cup: How to Watch New Zealand vs. Tonga Semifinal
Everything you need to know about the upcoming semifinal showdown.
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup has reached its decisive phase. A highly anticipated semifinal is set to take place at the Newcastle International Sports Centre in Australia, where New Zealand will face the Tongan team, "Mate Ma'a Tonga." This match is particularly significant for Tonga, as they have the opportunity to reach a World Cup final for the first time in their history.
Team Form and Squads
The New Zealand team, 2008 world champions, is in impressive form. Last week, they defeated Fiji 78-0, with Casey McLean scoring four tries. Ronaldo Mulitalo will miss the match due to a red card suspension, but Kalyn Ponga has returned to the squad following his injury. Captain James Fisher-Harris remains the cornerstone of the Kiwi defense and attack.
Tonga approaches this historic match with optimism. Following a dramatic 20-18 victory over Samoa, head coach Kristian Woolf has retained the same 19-man squad. Team leaders, halfback Isaiya Katoa and captain Jason Taumalolo, are prepared to showcase their full potential against one of the tournament's strongest sides.
How to Watch
The match takes place on Saturday, November 7. For fans worldwide, the broadcast is available across various platforms:
- In Australia, the match is available to watch for free on 7plus and Channel 7.
- In New Zealand, the game will be broadcast live on ThreeNow and Sky Sport NZ.
- In the USA, the UK, and Canada, Premier Sports will provide coverage, where fans can purchase special tournament packages.
It is worth noting that fans in regions with geographical restrictions often use VPN services to access their home country's streaming platforms. It is important to remember that the use of a VPN must comply with the user agreement of the specific service.
The Significance of the Match
The rivalry between New Zealand and Tonga has a rich history. New Zealand has won six of their previous eight meetings, though Tonga secured a victory during the 2017 World Cup. This statistic suggests a hard-fought battle is expected on the field. For rugby league fans, this match represents a premier opportunity to witness high-level technical play and intense sporting drama.