Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 10:14pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 10:14pm<\/p>\n
Casey McLean joins ABC Sport<\/p>\n
Casey McLean has spoken to ABC Sport following New Zealand’s 34-10 win over Tonga in the Rugby League World Cup semifinal.<\/p>\n
The centre scored a try, and will now head to Brisbane for the final.<\/p>\n
The semi against Tonga was tense before the kick-off, with a stare-down between both sets of players following the\u00a0Sipi Tau and Haka.<\/p>\n
Speaking with ABC Sport, McLean said it was a special moment to be part of.<\/p>\n
We have such mana boys in our team that are leaders.<\/p>\n
We’ve just got to follow them, especially myself.<\/p>\n
I can learn so much off them, not just about being a player, but [also] my culture. They’re front runners for M\u0101ori boys and Kiwi boys.<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 9:39pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 9:39pm<\/p>\n
69′ Tonga camped on their own goal-line<\/p>\n
Tonga are 14 points down with 11 minutes to play.<\/p>\n
They have had to defend several sets on their own line, just to keep themselves in the contest.<\/p>\n
They are going to need something special to get back into the semifinal.<\/p>\n
New Zealand 24<\/p>\n
Tonga 10<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 9:30pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 9:30pm<\/p>\n
59′ Tonga cannot kick long as wind remains intense<\/p>\n
This strong wind you keep reading about is having a massive impact on this match.<\/p>\n
Essentially, the wind is directly behind the Kiwis, and Tonga is struggling.<\/p>\n
Halfback Isaiya Katoa tried kicking long down the field for territory, but the ball was held up by the wind, and barely went 20 metres.<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 9:20pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 9:20pm<\/p>\n
51′ New Zealand go close as wind wreaks havoc<\/p>\n
A high kick from New Zealand gets caught in the wind, and blows away from everyone and towards to Tongan goal-line.<\/p>\n
The ball bounced into the in-goal, but the Kiwis were unable to ground the footy.<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 9:14pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 9:14pm<\/p>\n
46′ Lehi Hopoate saves the day for Tonga<\/p>\n
New Zealand runs the ball on the final play, and the short-side raid leads to Dane Gagai running for the goal-line.<\/p>\n
Only Tongan fullback Lehi Hopoate can stop him, and the Tongan number 1 nails the ball-and-all tackle.<\/p>\n
New Zealand 12<\/p>\n
Tonga 10<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 9:11pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 9:11pm<\/p>\n
44′ New Zealand miss a huge chance<\/p>\n
Jahrome Hughes slices through the Tonga defence.<\/p>\n
He runs clear and then passes for\u00a0Briton Nikora, who will score if he catches the ball cleanly.<\/p>\n
But a Tongan hand knocks the footy off course, and Nikora drops the ball.<\/p>\n
New Zealand 12<\/p>\n
Tonga 10<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 9:09pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 9:09pm<\/p>\n
42′ Kiwis defend their goal-line<\/p>\n
The Kiwis needed to defend stoutly to start the second half, and they did.<\/p>\n
Tonga threw plenty at the Kiwis, but could not score a try to take the lead.<\/p>\n
New Zealand 12<\/p>\n
Tonga 10<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 9:03pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 9:03pm<\/p>\n
A massive second half is just minutes away<\/p>\n
C’mon Tonga! – step up a gear in the 2nd half…<\/p>\n
– Mike<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 8:40pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 8:40pm<\/p>\n
32′ Kalyn Ponga makes a stunning try-saving tackle<\/p>\n
Kalyn Ponga is playing without fear.<\/p>\n
Big Tongan\u00a0Demitric Vaimauga was charging to the line, but Ponga was able to come across and made an amazing one-on-one tackle.<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 8:33pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 8:33pm<\/p>\n
24′ Tonga lose their captain’s challenge<\/p>\n
A bad challenge from Tonga.<\/p>\n
They are penalised after Salesi Foketi illegally stripped the ball.<\/p>\n
Tonga claimed the other defender in that tackle,\u00a0Haumole Olakau’atu, was not actually holding onto the ball carrier.<\/p>\n
That might be technically true, but he is underneath him in a tackle motion, and the bunker ruled the challenge unsuccessful.<\/p>\n
New Zealand 6<\/p>\n
Tonga 6<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 8:27pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 8:27pm<\/p>\n
20′ Salesi Foketi nails Kalyn Ponga<\/p>\n
WHACK.<\/p>\n
Kalyn Ponga is returning a kick, and gets absolutely walloped by Tongan hooker Salesi Foketi.<\/p>\n
That has set the tone.<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 8:26pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 8:26pm<\/p>\n
19′ Kiwis miss a huge chance<\/p>\n
Brilliant from the Kiwis.<\/p>\n
Centre Casey McLean made a big break up the middle, getting the Kiwis into an attacking position.<\/p>\n
The Tongans had to scramble for a full set.<\/p>\n
On the final play, the Kiwis looked to have an overlap, but\u00a0Joseph Tapine was unable to quickly catch and pass, dropping the footy.<\/p>\n
New Zealand 6<\/p>\n
Tonga 0<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 8:23pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 8:23pm<\/p>\n
16′ Kiwis defend the goal-line well<\/p>\n
Tonga tried to force their way over the goal-line, but the Kiwi defence was strong.<\/p>\n
The Tongans got a fresh set of six after an infringement by the Kiwis (I think they were offside).<\/p>\n
But the Kiwis were able to hold, with a last-play kick to the corner dropped by the Tongans.<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 8:21pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 8:21pm<\/p>\n
14′ Tonga get a big chance<\/p>\n
Tonga has a big chance.<\/p>\n
They were awarded a penalty just 10 metres out after Kiwi winger\u00a0Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad obstructed the Tonga kick-chase.<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 8:19pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 8:19pm<\/p>\n
James Fisher-Harris (NZ) on report for raised knee while running with the ball<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 8:19pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 8:19pm<\/p>\n
12′ Both teams settle into the contest<\/p>\n
New Zealand and Tonga have both settled into this match.<\/p>\n
Kalyn Ponga, 23 days after breaking his arm, looks threatening every time he has the ball.<\/p>\n
The Kiwis are winning the territory battle, but the Tongans have had an attacking grubber to the in-goal, which was defused by the Kiwis.<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 7:54pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 7:54pm<\/p>\n
New Zealand and Tonga walk onto Hunter Stadium![\"Three](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/lcimg-1ad32125-f142-4916-859c-f99a32e012d0.jpeg\")
![\"Men](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/lcimg-27fe2efd-dbff-4c4a-bf7a-6261779ceace.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
There is a massive crowd at Hunter Stadium, and there is plenty of red in the crowd.<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 7:29pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 7:29pm<\/p>\n
Player of the match Stacey Waaka speaks after New Zealand’s semfinal win<\/p>\n
A tremendous outing for Stacey Waaka.<\/p>\n
She scored three tries in the semifinal, and now has a chance to add the Rugby League World Cup to her list of accomplishments.<\/p>\n
Waaka has already won two Olympic gold medals in rugby 7s and two women’s Rugby Union World Cups for New Zealand.<\/p>\n
“A really close first half, but the team who was going to win was the one who played right to the end, then I think we done that,” Waaka told the 7 Network post-match<\/p>\n
“I love playing games with these young guns. It’s fun learning off them too, because they’ve been in the game a little bit longer, but I’m just enjoying the whole experience.<\/p>\n
“I can’t wait for this next week and bring on whoever is in the final with us.”<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 7:11pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 7:11pm<\/p>\n
67′ TRY: Raecene McGregor (7) scores for New Zealand<\/p>\n
The scoreline is starting to get out of hand.<\/p>\n
The Kiwi Ferns again roll down the field, picking apart a very tired Fetu Samoa defence.<\/p>\n
Captain\u00a0Raecene McGregor has scored under the posts.<\/p>\n
New Zealand 32<\/p>\n
Fetu Samoa 0<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 6:54pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 6:54pm<\/p>\n
52′ Alexis Tauaneai drops the ball with the line begging<\/p>\n
The match could have been sealed for the Kiwi Ferns.<\/p>\n
Ashleigh Quinlan made the linebreak near the goal-line, and as she was being tackled, passed inside to Alexis Tauaneai.<\/p>\n
But Tauaneai could not hold onto the footy, and a certain try goes begging.<\/p>\n
New Zealand 14<\/p>\n
Fetu Samoa 0<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 6:53pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 6:53pm<\/p>\n
50′ Fetu Samoa throws fourth forward pass as rain falls<\/p>\n
Fetu Samoa has been its own worst enemy.<\/p>\n
With the ball at halfway line, halfback\u00a0Pauline Piliae-Rasabale tried to throw a cut-out pass to an open winger, but it went forward.<\/p>\n
That is Fetu Samoa’s fourth forward pass in this match.<\/p>\n
New Zealand 14<\/p>\n
Fetu Samoa 0<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 6:36pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 6:36pm<\/p>\n
Second half begins between New Zealand and Fetu Samoa<\/p>\n
New Zealand, holding an eight-point lead, has the first use of the ball in the second half.<\/p>\n
The Kiwi Ferns have an incident-free set, and kick clear.<\/p>\n
The wind is still strong and will play a roll in this match.<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 6:35pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 6:35pm<\/p>\n
History on the side of the Kiwi Ferns<\/p>\n
This is the seventh Women’s Rugby League World Cup.<\/p>\n
New Zealand have made it into the final in EVERY tournament.<\/p>\n
They won the first three (2000, 2003, 2008), and have lost the final to Australia in the other three\u00a0(2013, 2017, 2021).<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 6:19pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 6:19pm<\/p>\n
34′ Kiwi Ferns throw away a great chance<\/p>\n
The Kiwi Ferns had a scrum near halfway and could have had a full set to try and get a third try.<\/p>\n
But a forward pass on the opening play of the set ended any hopes of a double-digit lead at the break.<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 6:15pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 6:15pm<\/p>\n
Rain is heading for Newcastle<\/p>\n
Bit of weather comming down?<\/p>\n
– Mike<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/lcimg-1ee6b530-9cc7-4620-8d98-f857004118fc.png\")
(BOM)<\/p>\n
The clouds are getting bigger, and look dark.<\/p>\n
The wind has also picked up, which will making catching the high ball very tricky.<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 6:03pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 6:03pm<\/p>\n
19′ Kiwi Ferns hold on the goal line<\/p>\n
Terrific defence from New Zealand.<\/p>\n
They had to defend four sets on their goal line, and they did it brilliantly.<\/p>\n
A big worry for Fetu Samoa as they never really looked like scoring.<\/p>\n
New Zealand 4<\/p>\n
Fetu Samoa 0<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 6:02pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 6:02pm<\/p>\n
18′ Fetu Samoa attack, and attack<\/p>\n
Fetu Samoa got themselves to the goal line, then shifted left.<\/p>\n
The Samoans won a penalty after a player was taken without the footy by New Zealand captain\u00a0Raecene McGregor.<\/p>\n
With another set at the goal line, Fetu Samoa continued to threaten, but the Kiwi Ferns defence was firm.<\/p>\n
Fetu Samoa got a third chance when a pass was knocked down by the Kiwi Ferns, and then a fourth set when New Zealand were called offside.<\/p>\n
New Zealand 4<\/p>\n
Fetu Samoa 0<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 5:59pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 5:59pm<\/p>\n
15′ Fetu Samoa with a great chance<\/p>\n
Fetu Samoa has their best chance of the match, thus far.<\/p>\n
Hooker Mary-Jane Taito nailed New Zealand winger\u00a0Leianne Tufuga and forced the ball loose, giving Fetu Samoa a scrum just 20 metres out.<\/p>\n
New Zealand 4<\/p>\n
Fetu Samoa 0<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 5:56pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 5:56pm<\/p>\n
10′ Kiwi Ferns threaten to score<\/p>\n
Fetu Samoa needed to scramble to prevent a second try.<\/p>\n
Mackenzie Wiki made a run for the right corner and was forced to throw the ball inside.<\/p>\n
The ball hung in the air, and if Stacey Waaka could have caught the footy, it would have been a try.<\/p>\n
But Waaka was hit as she tried to catch the footy over her head, and Fetus Samoa survived.<\/p>\n
New Zealand 4<\/p>\n
Fetu Samoa 0<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 5:51pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 5:51pm<\/p>\n
5′ Samoa force an error, but give the ball straight back<\/p>\n
After giving up the first try, Fetu Samoa worked their way back into the contest with strong defence.<\/p>\n
The Samoan’s forced an error in New Zealand territory and earned a scrum.<\/p>\n
But off the scrum, the Samoans dropped the footy and threw away a great chance to get into an attacking position.<\/p>\n
New Zealand 4<\/p>\n
Fetu Samoa 0<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 5:44pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 5:44pm<\/p>\n
1′ Forward pass for Samoa in its first set<\/p>\n
Shocking start for Fetus Samoa.<\/p>\n
Dummy half\u00a0Mary-Jane Taito throws a forward pass early in the set.<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 5:30pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 5:30pm<\/p>\n
What time is kick-off between the New Zealand and Samoa<\/p>\n
Here is when the women’s Rugby League World Cup semifinal between New Zealand and Samoa will begin in each Australian state and territory, and each country in the tournament.<\/p>\n
5:45pm AEDT: NSW, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania5:15pm ACDT: South Australia4:45pm AEST: Queensland, PNG4:15pm ACST: Northern Territory2:45pm AWST: Western Australia6:45pm FJT: Fiji7:45pm NZDT: New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa8:45pm CKT: Cook Islands2:44am GMT: United Kingdom3:45am CET: France4:45am EET: Lebanon<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 5:16pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 5:16pm<\/p>\n
VALE \u2014 Paul Langmack<\/p>\n
The rugby league world lost one of it’s great people this week.<\/p>\n
Paul Langmack, a man who won three premierships with Canterbury in the 1980s, and dedicated so much time in later years to running mental health programs, died this week aged 61.<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 5:00pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 5:00pm<\/p>\n
Team list: Fetu Samoa<\/p>\n
Samoa had to make a change after in-form winger\u00a0Freedom Crichton Ropati suffered an ankle injury last week against England.\u00a0Anastasia Leatupue (19) comes on to the wing, while Fanua Rimoni starts at lock and\u00a0 Tavarna Papalii moves to the bench.<\/p>\n
Despite the underdog status (and a win today would be MASSIVE), Fetu Samoa boasts plenty of talent who have played at the highest level.<\/p>\n
Ivana Lolesio knows all about State of Origin with Queensland,\u00a0Annetta Nuuausala has been in a Test arena for nearly a decade (starting with New Zealand), while players like\u00a0Destiny Mino-Sinapati (Titans) and\u00a0Mercedez Taulelei-Siala (Knights) were big reasons their clubs played NRLW finals this season.<\/p>\n
Backs<\/p>\n
1 Destiny Mino-Sinapati x2 Mercedez Taulelei-Siala x3 Monica Tagoai x4 Tyra Ekepati19 Anastasia Leatupue6 Evania Isa’ako x7 Pauline Piliae-Rasabale<\/p>\n
Forwards<\/p>\n
8 Annetta Nuuausala cc9 Mary-Jane Taito10 Laikha Clarke11 Leilani Wilson\u00a012 Ivana Lolesio\u00a013 Fanua Rimoni<\/p>\n
Interchange<\/p>\n
14 Tavarna Papalii15 Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa16 Jasmine Fogavini17 Christian Pio<\/p>\n
Reserve<\/p>\n
Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 4:50pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 4:50pm<\/p>\n
What are the Rugby League semifinals this weekend<\/p>\n
Saturday, November 7 at Newcastle’s Hunter Stadium<\/p>\n
Women’s: New Zealand Kiwi Ferns vs Fetu Samoa from 5:45pm AEDTMen’s: New Zealand Kiwis vs Mate Ma’a Tonga from 8:05pm AEDT<\/p>\n
Sunday, November 8 at the Sydney Football Stadium<\/p>\n
Women’s: Australia Jillaroos vs Fiji Bulikula from 5:45pm AEDTMen’s: Australia Kangaroos vs Toa Samoa from 8:05pm AEDT<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 10:14pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 10:14pm Casey McLean joins ABC Sport Casey McLean…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":955857,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[64,63,15499,1736,10668,523158,523157,159,139707,5993,11094,9738,85,18559,21418,523156],"class_list":["post-955856","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-kiwis","tag-new-zealand","tag-newcastle","tag-nz-vs-samoa","tag-nz-vs-tonga","tag-rugby-league","tag-rugby-league-world-cup","tag-samoa","tag-semi-finals","tag-semifinals","tag-sports","tag-tonga","tag-world-cup","tag-world-cup-semi"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/955856","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=955856"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/955856\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/955857"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=955856"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=955856"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=955856"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
![\"Michael](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/1794050654_973_lcimg-29b510d5-6326-4e3c-9ad1-1ebbebabcba5.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n