We are just hours away from the beginning of the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals, which means it’s prediction time!

As the international tournament gets deeper and deeper, the predictions get harder and harder, and that is shown by our writers being split on who will progress to the men’s final.

There are two heavyweight fixtures to enjoy this week, as New Zealand kick us off against Tonga in what could be a colossal battle between the packs, whilst Australia take on Samoa in a repeat of the last World Cup Final.

Whatever you are doing this weekend, make sure that watching both of these games is part of the agenda, as you will not want to miss some of the world’s best going at it for a place at Suncorp Stadium next week.

Rugby League World Cup semi-final predictions

New Zealand v Tonga – Saturday 7th November @ 9:05am

Sam Cook: New Zealand 20-22 Tonga, Player of the Match: Jason Taumalolo

The two best packs in the competition are going up against each other for what’s sure to be a thrilling game. New Zealand arguably have the better spine, but Tonga’s outside backs are electric. For me, these are the two best teams in the tournament, and my heart is making me pick Tonga.

Sam Brocksom: New Zealand 30-22 Tonga, Player of the Match: Jahrome Hughes

There is very little to separate these two teams, and that’s exactly what you want in a game as big as this. I’ve backed New Zealand since the start of the tournament, and I think they’ve got the more favourable team out of Tonga and Samoa, despite the Tongan emerging victorious last week. Expect both sevens to have their say, but I reckon the experience of Hughes just outweighs that of his opposite number, Isaiya Katoa.

Australia v Samoa – Sunday 8th November @ 9:05am

Sam Cook: Australia 26-16 Samoa, Player of the Match: Tom Dearden

Australia still aren’t fully firing this tournament, but Samoa have now tasted defeat and could be there for the taking. The height of the Kangaroos’ outside backs will be a major advantage, and Tom Dearden could be the man making the kicks out wide, so he’s my pick for star performer.

Sam Brocksom – Australia 18-22 Samoa, Player of the Match: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

‘Hammer’ was kept quiet for the most part against Tonga, but I’m backing him to be the difference maker in Samoa victory that would be seen as a huge shock. Australia never seem to know they’re beaten, but given how inconsistent they’ve been across the tournament, they’ve been the fourth-best team of the tournament so far. Is this prediction unlikely? Yes. Could it happen? Absolutely.

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