Tonga won the epic pre-game standoff with a defiant stare down for the ages, but New Zealand won on the scoreboard and booked their spot in the World Cup final after handling the wild conditions in Newcastle.

Kalyn Ponga was “adamant” he would return to the field after suffering a disastrous broken arm in the Kiwis’ World Cup opener.

The team lists are in for the semi-finals at the men’s Rugby League World Cup, with Kevin Walters making a few big selection calls as he named his Kangaroos side to take on Samoa.

The team lists are in for the semi-finals at the men’s Rugby League World Cup, with Kevin Walters making a few big selection calls as he named his Kangaroos side to take on Samoa.

The next Rugby League World Cup could be headed to the United States as the game tries to take advantage of its popularity among people from the Pacific nations.

Superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga is confirmed to return for the Kiwis, slotting into the starting side ahead of New Zealand’s sudden death finals clash against Tonga.

New Zealand is the first team through to the women’s Rugby League World Cup final after Stacey Waaka scored a hat-trick and set up a try to guide them to a comfortable 32-0 victory over Samoa.

Superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga is confirmed to return for the Kiwis, slotting into the starting side ahead of New Zealand’s sudden death finals clash against Tonga.