{
  "id": 18713181,
  "title": "New Zealand sweep into Rugby League World Cup final",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/new-zealand-sweep-into-rugby-league-world-cup-final",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-07T12:37:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/11/1572935/new-zealand-sweep-rugby-league-world-cup-final"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "New Zealand defeats Tonga 34-10 in Newcastle",
    "Kalyn Ponga returns from injury, scores try",
    "Final against Australia or Samoa on November 15"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Olive Press",
        "title": "Spain could ‘pull out of 2030 World Cup’ if final given to Morocco",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/spain-could-pull-out-of-2030-world-cup-if-final-given-to-morocco",
        "published": "2026-11-07T07:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "RNZ Pacific",
        "title": "Rugby League World Cup: Kiwis kick Tonga out on way to final",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/rugby-league-world-cup-kiwis-kick-tonga-out-on-way-to-final",
        "published": "2026-11-07T11:14:15.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}