New Zealand and Tonga go head-to-head this Saturday at McDonald Jones Stadium, with a place in the 2026 IRL Men’s Rugby League World Cup Final at stake.

The Kiwis finished second in Group A, winning two of their three group-stage matches. Their only defeat came narrowly against Australia in the tournament’s opening fixture, and they will now be looking to secure their place in the final with a victory over Tonga.

Tonga, meanwhile, head into the semi-final in strong form after winning all three of their group-stage matches to finish top of Groups B and C. They also come into Saturday’s clash following a hard-fought 20-18 victory over Samoa last weekend.

New Zealand make one change to their starting line-up, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad coming in on the wing to replace the suspended Ronaldo Muitalo.

Tonga, meanwhile, name an unchanged side for Saturday’s semi-final following their victory over Samoa.

New Zealand (squad): Keano KINI, Jamayne ISAAKO, Dane GAGAI, Casey MCLEAN, Charnze NICOLL-KLOKSTAD, Kodi NIKORIMA, Jahrome HUGHES, James FISHER HARRIS, Jeremy MARSHALL-KING, Moses LEOTA, Isaiah PAPALI'I, Briton NIKORA, Joseph TAPINE, Te Maire MARTIN, Naufahu WHYTE, Erin CLARK, Xavier WILLISON, Scott SORENSEN, Leo THOMPSON, Tanner STOWERS-SMITH, Kalyn PONGA, Phoenix CROSSLAND

Tonga (squad): Lehi HOPOATE, Dallin WATENE-ZELEZNIAK, Tolu KOULA, Robert TOIA, JoJo FIFITA, Tuimoala LOLOHEA, Saia KATOA, Addin FONUA BLAKE, Salesi FOKETI, Jason TAUMALOLO, Haumole OLAKAU'ATU, Siua WONG, Tyson FRIZELL, Soni LUKE, Stefano UTOIKAMANU, Vaimauga SIFAKULA, Tamiela PASEKA, Leka HALASIMA, Latu FAINU, Paul ALAMOTI, Kulikefu FINEFEULAKI, Sione KATOA