Rugby League World Cup Semi-Final Teams: Kini Starts for the Kiwis, Walsh and Dearden Lead the Kangaroos
Full line-ups for Saturday's New Zealand v Tonga semi-final in Newcastle and Sunday's Australia v Samoa game in Sydney, with the women's semi-finals as curtain-raisers at both grounds.
Thursday, November 5, 2026/2 min read
The four men's semi-finalists have named their sides, and the Kangaroos have left Latrell Mitchell and James Tedesco on the extended bench. Reece Walsh starts at fullback for Australia against Samoa at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, with Tom Dearden at halfback and Cameron Munster at five-eighth, according to the team lists published by Rugby League Zone.
New Zealand meet Tonga at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday, the first of the two double-headers, with the women's semi-finals as curtain-raisers at both grounds. Tonga's place was sealed by Sunday's 20-18 win over Samoa in Parramatta, which sent England out at the group stage.
Who plays in New Zealand v Tonga?
Keano Kini starts at fullback for the Kiwis, with Jamayne Isaako and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad on the wings, Dane Gagai and Casey McLean in the centres, and Kodi Nikorima and Jahrome Hughes in the halves. Captain James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota prop, Jeremy Marshall-King is at hooker, Isaiah Papali'i and Briton Nikora are in the second row and Joseph Tapine is at lock. Te Maire Martin, Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark and Xavier Willison make up the bench, with Kalyn Ponga listed among the reserves.
Tonga, captained by Jason Taumalolo from the front row, have Lehi Hopoate at fullback, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Jojo Fifita on the wings, Tolutau Koula and Robert Toia in the centres and Tuimoala Lolohea alongside Isaiya Katoa in the halves. Addin Fonua-Blake, whose late try beat Samoa, partners Taumalolo, with Salesi Foketi at hooker, Haumole Olakau'atu and Siua Wong in the second row and Tyson Frizell at lock. Stefano Utoikamanu and Taniela Paseka are on the bench. Kick-off is 8.05pm AEDT, 9.05am in the UK, after the Kiwi Ferns play Samoa at 5.45pm, ESPN's tournament page lists.
Who plays in Australia v Samoa?
Australia: Walsh; Jack Bostock, Kotoni Staggs, Bradman Best, Tom Trbojevic; Munster, Dearden; Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui; Jacob Preston, Liam Martin; Isaah Yeo (captain). Ethan Strange, Keaon Koloamatangi, Cameron Murray and Reuben Cotter are the interchange. Trbojevic scored a second-half hat-trick in the 36-22 group win over Fiji that booked the semi-final place.
Samoa, led by Jarome Luai at halfback, name Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback, Brian To'o and Sualauvi Fa'alogo on the wings, Izack Tago and Stephen Crichton in the centres and Ronald Volkman at five-eighth. Francis Molo and Junior Paulo prop, Benaiah Ioelu is at hooker, Connelly Lemuelu and Jermaine McEwen are in the second row and Francis Manuleleua at lock, with Jazz Tevaga, Spencer Leniu, Shawn Blore and Ata Mariota on the bench. Kick-off is 8.05pm AEDT on Sunday, after the Jillaroos play Fiji at 5.45pm.
What are the women's semi-final teams?
The Kiwi Ferns start Apii Nicholls at fullback with Raecene McGregor captaining from halfback and Georgia Hale at hooker; Samoa are led by five-eighth Evania Isa'ako. Australia, who beat Wales 124-6 in the group phase, have Tamika Upton at fullback, Isabelle Kelly as captain in the centres and Tarryn Aiken at halfback. Fiji are captained by hooker Sereana Naitokatoka.
All four finals are at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday 15 November. Grant Atkins referees the Kiwis and Tonga, Adam Gee the Kangaroos and Samoa. Late changes are allowed up to an hour before kick-off, and the extended benches suggest both Australia and New Zealand are keeping options open.
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