Ronaldo Mulitalo’s World Cup could be over after the fiery New Zealand winger was sent off for an ugly high shot and then copped a punch to the head in a dramatic moment that has rocked the tournament.
The moment came out of nowhere and was completely unnecessary as they booked their spot in the semi-finals with a thumping 78-0 victory over Fiji.
The Kiwis were cruising up 48-0 early in the second half when Mulitalo rushed out of the line and whacked Ronald Philitoga in the head.
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Match Centre: New Zealand v Fiji, live blog, result
Fiji halfback Brandon Wakeham responded with a deplorable punch to the head which sparked an all-in melee.
Referee Grant Atkins had no choice but to send both players off, with Mulitalo now nervously waiting for the charges to drop ahead of next week’s semi-final.
Key forward Joseph Tapine was also placed on report as things threatened to explode on the Gold Coast, with Fijian forward Jordan Miller sent to the sin bin late for a headbutt.
Brandon Wakeham of Fiji is sent off during the 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup match between New Zealand Kiwis and Fiji.Source: Getty Images
ONE OUT, ONE IN
New Zealand fired a formidable pre-finals warning shot to their rivals, and they might be even stronger next week with superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga expected to make a stunning return from injury.
Ponga was able to watch from the stands as the Kiwis ripped Fiji apart.
The Kiwis raced in eight tries before half-time, with Panthers star Casey McLean claiming four of his own after starting at centre and switching to the wing once Mulitalo was marched.
Their attack was humming from the outset and will only get better with Ponga on track to play either Tonga or Samoa just a few weeks after he broke his arm in the tournament opener.
He will be a huge inclusion for the Kiwis, although his replacement, Keano Kini, got off to a blistering start with two line-breaks and a try inside the opening four minutes, before he finished the contest with a slashing solo effort.
Halfback Jahrome Hughes scored the first and set up three tries but was taken off as a precaution to protect his hamstrings.
Coach Stacey Jones would have loved everything but the Mulitalo moment of madness, with Moses Leota maintaining the rage in the final few minutes with a monster shot on Caleb Navale.
BROKEN DREAMS
Fiji’s hopes of an almighty upset were over after just eight minutes when inspirational captain Api Koroisau was forced off with a suspected broken jaw.
The veteran dummy-half clashed heads while making a tackle and was seen with the green whistle in the sheds while being looked after by paramedics.
It was a shattering blow for the underdogs who also lost winger Semi Valemei to a head knock later in the first half which ruled him out of the contest.
This was a disappointing finish for a team that pushed the Kangaroos all the way a week ago but could only complete six sets in the opening 40 minutes.
Walters reveals tight halves selection | 01:15
New Zealand: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Dane Gagai 4. Casey McLean 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. James Fisher-Harris (c) 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Moses Leota 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Briton Nikora 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Erin Clark 17. Xavier Willison 18. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 19. Scott Sorensen
Fiji: 1. Sunia Turuva 2. Ronald Philitoga 3. Waqa Blake 4. Solomone Saukuru 5. Semi Valemei 6. Kurt Donoghoe 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Apisai Koroisau (c) 10. Emosi Ravosai 11. Taane Milne 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Caleb Navale 14. Josese Lanyon 15. Elijah Keung 16. Jordan Miller 17. Joseph Litidamu 18. Jordin Leiu 19. Apenisa Driti
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