New Zealand vs Tonga: TV channel, live stream and UK kick-off time for World Cup semi-final

New Zealand vs Tonga is live on Premier Sports 2 in the UK on Saturday 7 November, with kick-off at 9.05am GMT as the sides compete for a place in the Rugby League World Cup final.

McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia, hosts the first men’s semi-final. Tonga secured the meeting by beating Samoa 20–18 in their final group match, a result that also ended England’s hopes of progressing.

The winners will face Australia or Samoa in Brisbane on Sunday 15 November. Here are the UK viewing details, kick-off time and latest team news.

How to watch New Zealand vs Tonga in the UK

Detail	Information
Match	New Zealand vs Tonga
Competition	Men’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final
Date	Saturday 7 November 2026
Venue	McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, Australia
UK kick-off	9.05am GMT
Local kick-off	8.05pm AEDT
UK TV channel	Premier Sports 2
Live stream	Premier Sports streaming service

Premier Sports holds the exclusive UK broadcast rights to the tournament. Premier Sports 2 is listed for this semi-final in the current UK television schedule.

Subscribers can also watch online or through the Premier Sports app. Check that your subscription includes access through the service you intend to use.

The 9.05am time is kick-off, rather than the start of the programme. A separate coverage start time has not been verified for this guide.

What time is New Zealand vs Tonga?

The match starts at 9.05am GMT on Saturday 7 November. Newcastle in New South Wales is 11 hours ahead of the UK, making that an 8.05pm local start.

The fixture and venue have been confirmed in the official World Cup semi-final announcement.

There is an earlier match at the same ground: New Zealand Women face Samoa Women at 6.45am GMT. Premier Sports 2 also lists that semi-final, giving UK viewers a Saturday morning double-header.

New Zealand vs Tonga team news: Mulitalo suspended

New Zealand will be without Ronaldo Mulitalo after the winger accepted a one-match suspension for a high tackle on Fiji’s Ronald Philitoga.

Mulitalo was sent off in the group-stage meeting with Fiji. His absence leaves the Kiwis needing a replacement on the wing for the semi-final, with the full disciplinary details covered in our Ronaldo Mulitalo suspension report.

The starting sides are not included here because confirmed semi-final team lists were not available in the sources checked for this guide.

How Tonga reached the semi-final

Tonga held off Samoa to win 20–18 on Sunday, with Addin Fonua-Blake scoring a late try before his side defended their lead.

The result put Tonga top of the combined Pool B and Pool C standings and sent them into the New Zealand half of the draw. Samoa also progressed, taking the other qualifying place ahead of England.

Our Tonga vs Samoa match report explains how the final group game settled the semi-final line-up.

Who will the winners face in the World Cup final?

New Zealand or Tonga will face the winners of Australia vs Samoa, which takes place at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday 8 November. That semi-final also kicks off at 9.05am GMT.

The men’s final is at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday 15 November, starting at 8.35am GMT. It follows the women’s final at the same venue.

New Zealand vs Tonga: frequently asked questions

Is New Zealand vs Tonga on free-to-air TV?

No free-to-air UK broadcast is listed. The match is scheduled for Premier Sports 2, which requires a subscription.

Can I stream New Zealand vs Tonga?

Yes. Premier Sports offers online and app viewing for subscribers with the appropriate streaming access.

Where is New Zealand vs Tonga being played?

The semi-final takes place at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.