The stage is set for a blockbuster Rugby League World Cup Final, with Australia and New Zealand preparing to go head-to-head at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
After a thrilling weekend of semi-final action, the Kangaroos and Kiwis booked their places in the decider, ending the campaigns of Samoa and Tonga, which featured several Dolphins stars.
New Zealand secured their place in the Final with a commanding 34-10 victory over Tonga in Newcastle on Saturday.
Despite Tonga taking a 10-6 lead late in the first half, the Kiwis found another gear, producing a dominant performance to run away with the contest.
The result brought Tonga’s passionate World Cup campaign to an end, including that of Dolphins stars Isaiya Katoa and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, alongside Dolphins Head Coach Kristian Woolf.
While it marked the end of the road for Tonga, Dolphins hooker Jeremy Marshall-King and departing Dolphins players Jamayne Isaako and Kodi Nikorima will have another opportunity to represent New Zealand on the international stage as the Kiwis prepare for the decider.
Australia continued their unbeaten campaign with a convincing 44-12 victory over Samoa at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
The defending champions wasted little time asserting their dominance, racing to a 26-2 half-time lead before sealing their place in the Final.
For Dolphins outside back Jack Bostock, the victory means another opportunity to represent Australia on the international stage in what has been a memorable tournament.
Jack Bostock Try
Australia’s victory also ended the World Cup campaigns of Dolphins stars Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Francis Molo and Connelly Lemuelu, who represented Samoa throughout the tournament.
The Kangaroos and Kiwis will meet again on Sunday in a highly anticipated rematch of their opening-round clash in Sydney.
The two nations have a long history on the international stage, having previously met in World Cup Finals in 2000, 2008 and 2013.
One of the most memorable encounters came at Suncorp Stadium in 2008, when New Zealand stunned Australia 34-20 to claim their first and only World Cup title.
Now, 18 years later, the Kiwis return to the same venue chasing a second title, while Australia will be determined to secure a fourth consecutive World Cup triumph and 13th title overall.
Returning to familiar territory, Suncorp Stadium is set to host a huge night of international rugby league, with the world’s best going head-to-head for the ultimate prize.
Australian coach Kevin Walters has backed his winning combination, naming an unchanged side from the team that defeated Samoa in last weekend’s semi-final.
The decision gives the Kangaroos continuity heading into their biggest match of the tournament, with the defending champions looking to build on their impressive performances.
With Dolphins representatives on both sides of the contest, Sunday’s showdown promises to be a fitting finish to a memorable international campaign.
