Live: Rugby League World Cup semifinal weekend begins in Newcastle

A spot in the Rugby League World Cup final is on the line as the first semis in the men's and women's tournaments are held in Newcastle.New Zealand has both men's and women's sides playing at Hunter Stadium today. The women's Kiwi Ferns meet Samoa, followed by the men's Kiwis facing a fierce Tongan outfit. Sat 7 Nov 2026 at 4:55pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 4:55pmTeam list: New Zealand Kiwi FernsNew Zealand are as advertised earlier in the week.This is a proper side filled with class, and likely the only nation that could realistically challenge the Jillaroos for this year's tite.Halfback Raecene McGregor is a terrific game-manager, while powerhouse centre Mele Hufanga is a good a ball runner as there is in footy.Hooker Georgia Hale is a born leader who will organise the team from dummy-half.Backs1 Apii Nicholls2 Leianne Tufuga3 Mele Hufanga4 Stacey Waaka5 Mackenzie Wiki6 Chantay Kiria-Ratu7 Raecene McGregorForwards8 Alexis Tauaneai9 Georgia Hale10 Otesa Pule11 Shaniece Monschau12 Kaiyah Atai13 Angelina Teakaraanga-KatoaInterchange14 Ashleigh Quinlan15 Annessa Biddle16 Shannon Mato17 Ivana LauitiitiReserves18 Brooke AndersonSat 7 Nov 2026 at 4:50pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 4:50pmWhat are the Rugby League semifinals this weekendSaturday, November 7 at Newcastle's Hunter StadiumWomen's: New Zealand Kiwi Ferns vs Fetu Samoa from 5:45pm AEDTMen's: New Zealand Kiwis vs Mate Ma'a Tonga from 8:05pm AEDTSunday, November 8 at the Sydney Football StadiumWomen's: Australia Jillaroos vs Fiji Bulikula from 5:45pm AEDTMen's: Australia Kangaroos vs Toa Samoa from 8:05pm AEDTSat 7 Nov 2026 at 4:45pmSat 7 Nov 2026 at 4:45pmWelcome back to the ABC Sport Rugby League World Cup blogG'day.Welcome back to ABC Sport's live digital coverage of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.We have reached the semifinals, and today, one nation in the men's and women's tournaments will book their spot in next Sunday's final.In the first women's semifinal, New Zealand faces Samoa, followed by a blockbuster men's semi — New Zealand vs Tonga.Join us throughout the afternoon and evening as we bring you all of the action from Hunter Stadium in Newcastle.