Tonga's Woolf won't rush coaching call
More than half of Tonga's players at this World Cup were representing the nation at their first tournament. Only Jason Taumalolo and Tui Lolohea remain from the 2017 squad. Taumalolo...
Ponga return bolsters New Zealand's title bid
Tonga's campaign ended with a 34-10 semi-final defeat to New Zealand at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. The Kiwis will play their first World Cup final in 13 years...
New Zealand Kiwis sweat on Whyte
Stacey Jones will wait for scans before determining whether Naufahu Whyte can play in next Sunday's World Cup final. The New Zealand forward injured his ankle during Saturday night's 34-10...
US Hawks face 2030 World Cup hurdle
The United States national team, known as the 'Hawks', could receive an automatic place at the 2030 Rugby League World Cup, but first the country's governing body must gain full...
USA's 2030 Rugby League hosting awaits approval
The 2030 Rugby League World Cup could use up to five venues across the United States and Pacific, including Hawaii and Utah. News Corp reports the US has secured hosting...
Ponga's return lifts New Zealand hopes
Tonga's hopes of reaching a World Cup final ended for the third consecutive tournament, with New Zealand claiming a 34-10 semi-final victory. "It's a disappointing way to finish, we've had...
Australia drop Tedesco for Walker
Kevin Walters backed starting centre Kotoni Staggs and described Latrell Mitchell as a potential game-changer for Australia against Samoa. "I expect Kotoni to be really strong and great," the coach...
New Zealand faces Tonga's 65-second stare-down
Kalyn Ponga returned less than four weeks after breaking his left arm in the tournament opener, and now looms as a major threat in the World Cup final. He and...
Australia back Staggs as Mitchell waits
Latrell Mitchell will begin Australia's World Cup semi-final against Samoa on the bench, despite coach Kevin Walters calling him a potential match-winner. Mitchell has missed the past two games, with...
Tonga lose Toia before semi-final
New Zealand have added Kalyn Ponga to their bench for the Rugby League World Cup semi-final, replacing middle forward Leo Thompson. Ponga fractured his forearm in the tournament's opening match...
Tonga's Lolohea eyes full-circle Kiwi clash
A candid discussion with coach Kristian Woolf helped Tui Lolohea understand his prospects for Tonga's World Cup squad. The 31-year-old missed the 2025 Pacific Championships, while the emergence of Isaiya...
New Zealand's Jones eyes World Cup redemption
Stacey Jones played 261 games for the Warriors, scored 674 points and captained them to the 2002 grand final. The halfback made his debut in the club's inaugural 1995 season,...
Apps' 25th Test motivates Australia against Fiji
Kezie Apps is set to become the sixth Australian woman to reach 25 Test appearances when the Jillaroos face Fiji at Allianz Stadium on Sunday. Apps and Simaima Taufa made...
Tonga's Lolohea eyes another Kiwis upset
At 31, Tuimoala Lolohea sees Saturday's semi-final against New Zealand as a chance to bring his career full circle. He missed the 2025 Pacific Championships, and the emergence of Isaiya...
Nawaqanitawase's Golden Boot eligibility dilemma
Harry Grant received the 2025 Golden Boot after Australia beat England, although many expected New Zealand's Dylan Brown to win following his Pacific Nations Championships performances. The International Rugby League...
Australia's Latrell Mitchell faces unfamiliar bench role
Latrell Mitchell has again been named on Australia's bench for Sunday's World Cup semi-final against Samoa. Bradman Best and Kotoni Staggs are again selected ahead of him, after Mitchell started...
Australia's bench choices questioned
The risk of an early injury to Harry Grant drove criticism of Australia's bench choices ahead of the Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Samoa. Speaking on SEN radio on...
Australia's Nawaqanitawase caught by Golden Boot rules
Mark Nawaqanitawase, 26, has started a lucrative two-season deal with Japan's Saitama Wild Knights, coached by former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans. His NRL premiership, State of Origin series win and...
Kangaroos' Tedesco bench spot questioned
Cronulla hooker Blayke Brailey remains in Australia's extended reserves, but Greg Alexander says he should replace James Tedesco on the bench for the World Cup semi-final against Samoa. Alexander argued...
England's Test status threatened by debt
A shortlist for the first International Rugby League Hall of Legends has reached its final round of voting, following selection by a global panel of judges. Meanwhile, England's recognition as...
New Zealand's Ponga eyes broken-arm return
"We're looking forward to the battle and the crowd is always amazing," New Zealand captain James Fisher-Harris said ahead of the semi-final against Tonga. Kalyn Ponga is poised to return...
Australia's Mitchell responds to Kangaroos omission
Kevin Walters has named Latrell Mitchell in jersey 18 for Australia's Sunday night Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Samoa, viewing him as a versatile backline substitute. Mitchell has not...
Kiwis urged to ease Ponga back
Iro considers New Zealand "still slight favourites for the whole tournament", crediting a forward pack that dominated opponents, including Australia in the opening round. For Saturday's semi-final against Tonga, he...
Tonga's Katoa recalls failed concussion checks
In Auckland, Eli Katoa underwent emergency surgery to remove fluid from his brain after suffering a seizure on the sideline. The medical emergency followed a head injury during Tonga's Pacific...