New Zealand's McLean lands four-try haul

RLWC Recap: McLean scores four as semi-finals await

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup semi-finals will see New Zealand meet Tonga and Australia play Samoa, after all four teams advanced from Round 3.

Casey McLean scored four times as New Zealand beat Fiji 78-0 at Cbus Super Stadium, finishing the pool stage with 13 unanswered tries.

The Panthers centre has now scored 15 tries in seven Tests, while New Zealand secured a place in the final four.

Isaiah Papali'i returned to the starting side in the second row, and Moses Leota started in the front row after being rested in Round 2.

Australia completed a 66-6 win over the Cook Islands in Townsville, with captain Isaah Yeo guiding the Kangaroos to a third straight victory.

The defending champions finished unbeaten at the top of Pool A.

Liam Martin started in Australia's second row, and Lindsay Smith played 10 minutes from the interchange bench.

Delahia Wigmore also featured in the second row for the Cook Islands, whose tournament ended with the defeat.

Brian To'o scored twice for Samoa in their 20-18 loss to Tonga at CommBank Stadium.

His first try came in the 37th minute after a Jarome Luai kick bounced backwards off Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Stephen Crichton passed to To'o.

To'o scored again in the 50th minute, finishing a move begun by another Luai kick and a Chanel Harris-Tavita offload.

With Isaah Tago also at centre, Samoa came back from 14-4 down to lead 18-14, but Addin Fonua-Blake's late try gave Tonga victory.

Samoa nevertheless qualified for the semi-finals.

Menu
LeagueNews.co | Contact Us
All rights are owned by their respective owners
Terms & Conditions of Use