# New Zealand face Tonga in Rugby League World Cup semi-final

> The Kiwis and Mate Ma'a Tonga meet at Newcastle International Sports Centre on Saturday with a World Cup final at stake.
- Title: New Zealand face Tonga in Rugby League World Cup semi-final
- Summary: The Kiwis and Mate Ma'a Tonga meet at Newcastle International Sports Centre on Saturday with a World Cup final at stake.
- Keywords: new zealand rugby league, tonga rugby league, rugby league world cup 2026, semi-final, newcastle international sports centre, casey mclean, kalyn ponga, isaiya katoa, kristian woolf, TechRadar
- Source: TechRadar — https://techradar.com/entertainment/rugby/new-zealand-vs-tonga-free-rugby-league-world-cup-2026-semi-final
- Published: 2026-11-07T06:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: new zealand rugby league, tonga rugby league, rugby league world cup 2026, semi-final, newcastle international sports centre, casey mclean, kalyn ponga, isaiya katoa, kristian woolf, technology
## Kiwis demolish Fiji to reach semi-final
Led by Casey McLean's four tries, New Zealand defeated Fiji 78-0 last weekend to finish Pool A runners-up to Australia, who they lost to 24-22 on opening night.
## Kiwis missing Mulitalo but gain Ponga
Ronaldo Mulitalo serves a one-match suspension after his red card last week. Kalyn Ponga makes a miraculous return to reserves weeks after breaking his arm against Australia.
## Tonga beat Samoa to reach semi-final
Mate Ma'a Tonga defeated Samoa 20-18 in a thrilling victory that brought the men's tournament alive. Halfback Isaiya Katoa was superb in the Dolphins star's performance.
## Tonga name unchanged squad for biggest game
Coach Kristian Woolf names the same nineteen-man squad for the biggest game in Tongan rugby league history. Isaiya Katoa partners with Tui Lolohea in the halves.
## Watene-Zelezniak returns to face old team
Former Kiwi captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, born in Hamilton, now lines up for Mate Ma'a Tonga. NRL Dally M center of the year Rob Toia will also be one to watch.
## Free streams available in Australia and New Zealand
New Zealand vs Tonga is free on seven plus in Australia and ThreeNow in New Zealand. Both require accounts to view but no paid subscription is required.
## Paid options in US, UK and Canada
In the US, Premier Sports offers a discounted pass for twenty dollars for the remainder of the tournament. UK fans watch on Premier Sports 2 at eighteen pounds ninety nine monthly.
## Kick-off Saturday at eight oh five pm AEDT
The New Zealand vs Tonga kick-off time is at eight oh five pm AEDT local time in Newcastle, Australia on Saturday, November 7.
## Key takeaway

New Zealand play Tonga in a Rugby League World Cup 2026 semi-final at Newcastle International Sports Centre, Australia on Saturday, November 7, with Tonga seeking their first World Cup final in any sport.