New Zealand will be without Ronaldo Mulitalo for the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup but the star winger will be available for the final if the Kiwis progress.

Mulitalo was one of two players sent off in New Zealand’s 78-0 thrashing of Fiji with the winger making high contact on Fiji’s Ronald Philitoga, whose teammate Brandon Wakeham took exception to Mulitalo’s hit and therefore opted to throw an uppercut at the Kiwi.

Both men were sent off and both men were hit with the same disciplinary verdict of either taking a guilty plea and serving a one-match ban, or appealing and possibly being banned for two matches if found guilty.

The pair both took an early plea, meaning Mulitalo will miss the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup, with New Zealand set to face Tonga this weekend, whereas Wakeham will serve his ban in the NRL pre-season as Fiji have been eliminated from the competiton.

Team lists will be confirmed on Tuesday morning but Mulitalo’s ban could open the door for Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to feature on the wing, whilst there’s also a very slim possibility that Kayln Ponga could return from his fractured arm to force a reshuffle in the backs.

Other disciplinary charges from the men’s tournament saw Samoa’s forward Junior Paulo let off with a warning meaning that he is eligible to face Australia, whilst former Super League man Nixon Putt also received a warning for his high tackle on England’s Ethan Havard.

From the women’s final group stage games, four players were handed warnings, including England’s Liv Wood in their defeat against Samoa.

The remaining games of both the men’s and women’s competitions can be seen below.

Rugby League World Cup Semi-Final picture

Men’s tournament

SF1 – New Zealand versus Tonga – 7th November in Newcastle

SF2 – Australia versus Samoa – 8th November in Sydney

Final – Winner of SF1 versus winner of SF2 – 15th November in Brisbane

Women’s tournament

SF1 – New Zealand versus Samoa – 7th November in Newcastle

SF2 – Australia versus Fiji – 8th November in Sydney

Final – Winner of SF1 versus winner of SF2 – 15th November in Brisbane

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