New Zealand sweep into Rugby League World Cup final
NEWCASTLE: New Zealand saw off a gutsy Tonga 34-10 in an absorbing clash on Saturday to power into the Rugby League World Cup final for the first time since 2013.
New Zealand stunned Tonga 34-10 in Newcastle, securing a spot in the Rugby League World Cup final for the first time since 2013. The Kiwis, led by captain James Fisher-Harris, fought back from a 10-6 deficit to win the match and set up a showdown against Australia or Samoa on November 15 in Brisbane. Notably, fullback Kalyn Ponga returned from injury just three weeks after breaking his left forearm, scoring a try in the opening minutes.
Tonga's Jojo Fifita scored two tries, including a heroic performance before halftime, but New Zealand's dominance in the second half proved decisive. New Zealand's last appearance in the final was in 2013, where they lost to Australia.
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