By Megan Armitage at Elland Road

Australia's Nathan Cleary lauded New Zealand’s intensity after the Kangaroos edged a semi-final war in Leeds.

The Kangaroos booked a ticket to the World Cup final at Old Trafford next week after a closely fought exciting battle, with Cleary kicking two conversions in the 16-14 win.

The Penrith Panthers half-back locked horns with club teammates James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota at Elland Road but came out on top in the physicality battle, admitting that he never wanted to cross them on the pitch again.

He said: "It was a war out there and one of the most intense games that we've played.

"It was a great introduction to footy for people and was a great game to be a part of.

"It was pretty similar to playing State Origin in the physicality.

? Australia wanted a quick response, good job they've got the fastest man on the planet

Josh Addo-Carr does it again ?#RLWC2021 | #AUSNZL | @BBCSport pic.twitter.com/LFqDE5iLMp
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"I don't want to play against those Penrith [Panthers] guys ever again. I'm glad they're usually on my team because they were always on their feet carrying.

"It was pretty cool to be on the other side and see their physicality."

"It was a really cool stadium to play in as well, obviously I've seen it on TV but it was a whole different thing to be here."

Cameron Murray's try fired his team into the final as the Kiwis drew a blank in the second half with two Peta Hiku tries disallowed in an action-packed 40 minutes.

Cameron Murray’s second-half try carried Australia into the World Cup final at New Zealand’s expense as the Kangaroos edged a breathless encounter 16-14 at Elland Road.

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Cleary was impressed with the atmosphere at Elland Road as the Kangaroos were hounded by a wave of New Zealand supporters hoping for the back-to-back champions to be knocked off their perch.

But the Manchester United fan is now looking forward to stepping out at the Theatre of Dreams as Australia look to defend their World Cup title next weekend against either England or Samoa on the same ground at the same venue where they lifted the trophy in 2013.

"I think the intensity in a game like that helps going into the final," he said.

"I thought my combination with Cam [Munster] was pretty good and obviously every time we had opportunities to connect we did.

"I think the energy in the crowd is what you want to be a part of, whether that's for you or against you. It gets you up so I'm looking forward to it in the final.

"Running out into a World Cup final is going to be pretty crazy.

"It only just hit me today that we would even be able to play in a World Cup final, so now we're actually there, I just want to get my preparation right and have no regrets."

The Rugby League World Cup promises to be the biggest, best and most inclusive event in the sport’s 127-year history with men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams competing in 61 games across 21 venues throughout England. Tickets are available via rlwc2021.com/tickets