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Walsh hat-trick helps Australia into RL World Cup final - as it happened

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So... it's Australia v New Zealand in the Men's Rugby League World Cup final, and it's also Australia v New Zealand in the Women's Rugby League World Cup final. As quite a few of you have pointed out, it's been a long road round to get to the two finals just about everyone would have predicted four weeks ago.

It will not, though, be an Australia v New Zealand Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup final, because the balance of power is different in that tournament. Ireland go up against France on Tuesday (06:15 GMT) before holders England take on Australia (08:45 GMT). We'll be here for that, and I hope you can join us.

For now, I'll leave you with Emma Smith's report on a men's semi-final that was packed with incident, if not surprises. Thanks for your company. Catch you next time.

Andrew Henderson
Former Scotland international on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

It's not his fault, he's blown his inside shoulder so he hasn't impeded him. He's go through the line. What is the game coming to?

Andrew Henderson
Former Scotland international on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

There have been some refereeing decisions, which you could say potentially if they had gone in Samoa's favour it's probably a different type of game. The context of the game is different.

Some of those decisions have had an impact. Still doesn't excuse some of those poor goal line defences by the way.

Hopefully they will get a say in the second half.

Referee Adam Gee talks to Jarome Luai of Samoa during the 2026 Men's Rugby League World Cup Semi Final match between Australia Kangaroos and Samoa at Allianz Stadium on November 08, 2026 in Sydney, Australia.
Getty Images

Andrew Henderson
Former Scotland international on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

It's ludicrous for me. If it's an aerial battle like that, they're both competing and can't get it clean. If it's a genuine one-on-one contest, let it play on and see what comes of it.

It's unfortunate for Samoa. Technically yes, but I need to have a look at that.

Andrew Henderson
Former Scotland international on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

I thought Samoa really came out the blocks and wanted to showcase their physicality. Which I thought they did and I thought the Australians were shocked at first.

After that captain's challenge call that went against Samoa, Australia have got on the front foot and grown into the competition and put some pressure on.

Ronald Volkman
Image source, Getty Images

Samoa are without playmaker Chanel Harris-Tavita today after he injured his hamstring in the narrow 20-18 loss to Tonga in their final group game.

His spot goes to Ronald Volkman, who was excellent when he came on in that contest, while Deine Mariner returns to the interchange bench after overcoming a hamstring problem of his own.

Samoa: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Brian To'o, Izack Tago, Stephen Crichton, Sualauvi Fa'alogo, Ronald Volkman, Jarome Luai, Francis Molo, Benaiah Ioelu, Junior Paulo, Connelly Lemuelu, Jermaine McEwen Jermaine McEwen, Francis Manuleleua.

Interchange: Jazz Tevaga, Spencer Leniu, Shawn Blore, Ata Mariota, Clayton Faulalo, Deine Mariner.

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