The Rugby League World Cup 2026 semi-final between New Zealand and Tonga at Newcastle International Sports Centre could see Mate Ma’a Tonga reach a World Cup final for the first time in any sport. For fans wondering how to watch New Zealand vs Tonga, free and paid options are available in several countries.
How to watch New Zealand vs Tonga for free
Australian viewers can stream the match for free on 7plus, while New Zealand audiences can use ThreeNow. Both platforms require an account but no paid subscription. Outside Australia or New Zealand, a VPN such as NordVPN can help access these free streams by making the device appear to be in the relevant country.
TV and streaming options by region
United States
Premier Sports holds the rights in the US, with a discounted tournament pass available for $20 that also includes the women’s and wheelchair events.
Australia
The match airs free-to-air on Channel 7 and streams on 7plus. An Australian postcode, such as 2042, is needed to create an account.
New Zealand
ThreeNow offers a free stream, and Sky Sport NZ provides live coverage on Sky Sport 2. Sky Sport Now subscriptions start at NZ$29.99 per day or NZ$59.99 per month.
United Kingdom
Premier Sports 2 will show the game. A rolling monthly pass costs £18.99, or £150 for a year, and includes Champions Cup and La Liga coverage.
Canada
Premier Sports also carries the match in Canada, with monthly plans starting at CA$29.99.
Viewers traveling abroad can use a VPN to access their home streaming services.
Match context and team news
New Zealand enter the semi-final after a 78-0 demolition of Fiji, in which Casey McLean scored four tries. The Kiwis finished as Pool A runners-up to Australia, having lost their opening game 24-22. They will be without Ronaldo Mulitalo, who is suspended for one match after a red card, but Kalyn Ponga returns to the reserves weeks after breaking his arm against Australia. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad starts on the wing in Mulitalo’s place. James Fisher-Harris captains a formidable forward pack.
Tonga reached this stage after a dramatic 20-18 win over Samoa, a match that ignited the men’s tournament. Halfback Isaiya Katoa was outstanding and will again partner Tui Lolohea. Coach Kristian Woolf has named the same 19-man squad. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, a former Kiwi captain born in Hamilton, will face his old side, adding extra significance for the Warriors winger. Rob Toia, the NRL Dally M center of the year, is another player to watch.
Start time and head-to-head
Kick-off is at 8.05pm AEDT on Saturday, November 7, at Newcastle International Sports Centre. That translates to 4.05am ET in the US and 9.05am GMT in the UK. The two nations have met eight times previously, with New Zealand winning six. Tonga won the most recent World Cup encounter 28-22 in the 2017 group stage, while New Zealand triumphed 40-14 in November 2025.
Full squads
New Zealand: 1. Keano Kini, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. James Fisher-Harris (c), 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Moses Leota, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Briton Nikora, 13. Joseph Tapine. Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Naufahu Whyte, 16. Erin Clark, 17. Xavier Willison, 18. Scott Sorensen, 19. Leo Thompson. Reserves: 20. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 21. Kalyn Ponga, 22. Phoenix Crossland.
Tonga: 1. Lehi Hopoate, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Tolutau Koula, 4. Robert Toia, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Tuimoala Lolohea, 7. Isaiya Katoa, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Salesi Foketi, 10. Jason Taumalolo (c), 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Siua Wong, 13. Tyson Frizell. Interchange: 14. Soni Luke, 15. Stefano Utoikamanu, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Taniela Paseka, 18. Leka Halasima, 19. Latu Fainu. Reserves: 20. Paul Alamoti, 21. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, 22. Sione Katoa.
Fans can also follow updates via the official Rugby League World Cup social media channels on Instagram and Facebook (@RugbyLeagueWorldCup).
