Sharks’ men at the World Cup: Semi-Finals

Author: Sharks Media
Timestamp: Tue 10 Nov 2026, 01:48 PM

Briton Nikora scored the opening try as the Kiwis beat Tonga to reach their first World Cup final since 2013, setting up a trans-Tasman decider at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday with three Sharks involved.

Addin Fonua-Blake led from the front in Tonga's semi-final exit, while Australia booked their sixth straight final with a 44-12 win over Samoa.

Here's how every Shark fared in the semi-finals.

Briton Nikora (New Zealand)
Result: New Zealand 34 def. Tonga 10, McDonald Jones Stadium, Saturday 7 November

1 try (4th minute)
2 line breaks and 1 line break assist
28 tackles in 69 minutes

Nikora crossed inside four minutes to open the scoring in front of 29,712 fans in Newcastle. Tonga hit back to lead 10-6, but the Kiwis went into the break ahead 12-10 and pulled away with four second-half tries.

Ronaldo Mulitalo (New Zealand)
Result: New Zealand 34 def. Tonga 10

Missed the semi-final through suspension

Mulitalo served his one-match ban from the Round 3 win over Fiji and is available again for the final.

Addin Fonua-Blake (Tonga)
Result: Tonga 10 lost to New Zealand 34

158 run metres from 14 carries, with 4 tackle breaks
Most post-contact metres for Tonga with 63
29 tackles in 52 minutes

The Tonga co-captain carried hard all night as Mate Ma'a pushed the Kiwis in the first half. His late match-winner against Samoa in Round 3 had sent Tonga into the semi-finals as the top side from Pools B and C.

Sione Katoa (Tonga)
Result: Tonga 10 lost to New Zealand 34

Not named in the 19

Katoa, who joins the Cowboys in 2027, finished his World Cup with his double against Lebanon in Round 2 as the highlight.

Blayke Brailey (Australia)
Result: Australia 44 def. Samoa 12, Allianz Stadium, Sunday 8 November

Not named in the 19, with Harry Grant at hooker

The Kangaroos produced their most complete performance of the tournament, with Reece Walsh scoring a hat-trick. Brailey remains in the squad for the final.