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Rugby League1 min read

Kiwis lose forward Jacob Laban for Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga

Laban has been ruled out with an injury and will miss the rest of the tournament.
Kiwis lose forward Jacob Laban for Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga

The Kiwis have been dealt a blow ahead of this weekend's Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga in Newcastle with forward Jacob Laban ruled out of the match with injury.

The 22-year-old missed training last week and scans since have confirmed a lower leg injury. He will miss the rest of the tournament.

Kiwis coach Stacey Jones said it's disappointing to lose the second rower.

"It's really disappointing for Jake and for us after the outstanding year he has had," Jones said.

Newcastle Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland comes into the squad as Laban's replacement.

Crossland made his Kiwis debut in 2024 and has played six tests for New Zealand.

His last game for the Kiwis was last year's 36-14 win over Toa Samoa in the Pacific Championships final in Sydney.

Samoa play defending champions Australia in the second World Cup semi-final in Sydney on Sunday.

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It was published on November 2, 2026 and last updated on November 3, 2026. The time of the story is shown in your own time zone on the page.

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