Kiwis Lose Forward Jacob Laban for Rugby League World Cup Semi-Final Against Tonga

Kiwis Jacob Laban injury Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga: Kiwis Jacob Laban injury: New Zealand has lost second rower Jacob Laban for the Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga in Newcastle after scans confirmed a lower leg injury. Newcastle Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland joins the squad as his replacement.

Kiwis Jacob Laban injury Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga, Digi Mart USA News (Newcastle): 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 is 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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