Tongan fans pack Newcastle for rugby league World Cup semi-final
Thousands of Tongan fans marched to the stadium for a Rugby League World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.
Hundreds, if not thousands, of Tongan fans travelled to McDonald Jones Stadium at New Lambton for a do-or-die semi-final match against New Zealand. Fans marched from the suburb carrying massive Tongan flags, wearing traditional dress alongside team colours, and filled the roads with red and white as they cheered and danced.
The atmosphere was electric as supporters described it as a community moment where everyone backed their island team. The match was critical for Tonga's chances of reaching the World Cup final.
New Zealand fielded an in-form squad chasing their first final appearance since 2013, with Knights skipper Kalyn Ponga returning at fullback just 23 days after a broken arm.
- Rugby League World Cup semi-final
- Match type
- Broken arm 23 days before match
- Kalyn Ponga injury
- 2013
- New Zealand last final
Why it mattersThis is a rare high-stakes moment for Pacific rugby league nations on the world stage, and the turnout shows how deeply the sport connects communities to their national identity.
AustraliaThe World Cup semi-final was held in Newcastle, drawing a massive crowd of supporters to the Hunter region and showcasing international rugby league's growing strength in Australia.
