Why rugby league needs Tonga-Samoa World Cup final

With blow out wins and a convoluted format, the men's group stage at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup did little to dissuade cynics about the unhealthy state of the international game. From Group A, Australia and New Zealand came through as expected and are widely tipped to face off in the final on 15 November. But from the strange lands of Group B-C, two beacons of hope have emerged.

Tonga will face New Zealand after winning all three group matches, before Samoa face Australia in a repeat of the 2022 final. "Could this be a dress rehearsal for the final? I hope so," former Bradford Bulls head coach Matthew Elliott told BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra after Tonga and Samoa's riveting Group B-C match, won 20-18 by the Tongans .

"I shouldn't say that out loud as an Aussie but I hope so." The first semi-final, New Zealand v Tonga, is a match with a dramatic recent history. Tonga beat New Zealand 25-14 in an epic Pacific Championships match two years ago to reach their first-ever elite tournament final.