Seven Draws 6.5 Million Viewers for Semi-Finals
New Zealand beat Tonga 34-10 in Newcastle, and Australia defeated Samoa in the second Rugby League World Cup semi-final.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Australia and New Zealand
Seven broadcast two Rugby League World Cup semi-finals that together reached 6.5 million people. New Zealand defeated Tonga 34-10 in Newcastle on Saturday night, and Australia defeated Samoa in the second semi-final.
Why it matters
The combined audience shows strong broadcast reach for the tournament across Australia and New Zealand. The results set up the matchups for the final stage of the Rugby League World Cup.
Seven's broadcast figures show 6.5 million combined viewers across both semi-finals, with 2.9 million reached by New Zealand versus Tonga and 3.7 million by Australia versus Samoa. The audience comparison with earlier tournaments is not available in the source data.
The players
Seven
Seven is an Australian free-to-air television network that broadcast both Rugby League World Cup semi-finals.
The details
New Zealand led Tonga by two points at half-time before pulling away to win 34-10 in Newcastle, with strong wind in the second half limiting Tonga's ability to kick downfield. Australia scored eight tries to Samoa's two in the second semi-final, which aired on Seven.
Timeline
Samoa lost a narrow two-point match to Tonga the week before the semi-finals.
New Zealand defeated Tonga 34-10 in Newcastle on Saturday night, weekend of November 6-8, 2026.
Australia defeated Samoa in the second semi-final on Sunday night, weekend of November 6-8, 2026.
Big Picture
Free-to-air coverage of the Rugby League World Cup on Seven reached millions of viewers across both semi-finals, placing the tournament among the most widely watched sporting events broadcast in Australia and New Zealand this year. Two Pacific nations, Tonga and Samoa, lost their semi-finals, leaving Australia and New Zealand as the remaining contenders.
Travelers planning to attend Rugby League World Cup matches should check ticket availability and match schedules with the tournament organizers before booking flights and accommodation. Viewers following the tournament on free-to-air television can access the broadcasts on Seven.
The takeaway
The strong combined audience of 6.5 million suggests Rugby League World Cup semi-finals draw substantial viewership across Australia and New Zealand. Travelers and fans can use broadcast schedules to plan viewing or visits around remaining matches.
Further reading
Read more about Australia and New Zealand travel destinations and the region's sporting events.
