Ronaldo Mulitalo banned for Rugby League World Cup semi-final

The New Zealand Kiwis secured a place in the Rugby League World Cup semifinals after defeating Fiji 78-0 on the Gold Coast. Casey McLean scored four tries, while Jamayne Isaako successfully converted all 13 attempts. Other tryscorers included Jahrome Hughes, Briton Nikora, Erin Clark, Keano Kini, Dane Gagai, James Fisher-Harris, Ronaldo Mulitalo, and Xavier Willison.

The match was marred by a 52nd-minute incident where winger Ronaldo Mulitalo was sent off for a high tackle on Ronald Philitoga. This resulted in a melee where Fiji halfback Brandon Wakeham was also sent off for punching Mulitalo. Both players received grade two charges and one-match suspensions.

The Kiwi Ferns also progressed to the semifinals after a 40-12 victory over Papua New Guinea on the Gold Coast. This win maintains their perfect record in the pool. They will face Samoa in the semifinals in Newcastle.

The Kiwis' upcoming semifinal opponent will be determined by the match between Samoa and Tonga. New Zealand's star fullback Kalyn Ponga is expected to return for the knockout stages following a broken forearm.

How it developed

• Sun 1 Nov, 1:31pmThe judiciary panel issued grade two charges to both Mulitalo and Wakeham for the on-field altercation.
• Sun 1 Nov, 3:15pmMulitalo's one-match suspension is conditional on an early guilty plea, which would allow him to play in the final if New Zealand reaches it.

Where reports differ

• Reports describe Mulitalo's tackle variously as a high tackle, a shoulder charge, or a careless high tackle.

Compiled from reports by 1News, RNZ, Otago Daily Times, Stuff and NZ Herald.