Kangaroos Secure 18-0 Victory Against Tonga, Avoid Consecutive Test Losses

In a tightly contested match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, the Australian Kangaroos managed to secure an 18-0 win over Tonga, avoiding the prospect of back-to-back Test losses. This Pacific Championships opener was attended by a vibrant crowd of 33,000 fans, predominantly clad in red, who were hopeful for a repeat of Tonga's stunning victory against Australia in their last encounter back in 2019.

Tonga's Early Dominance Fails to Translate

The match began with Tonga taking the initiative, displaying an impressive intensity in the opening minutes. Their initial dominance, however, failed to translate into points as their attacking efforts lacked cohesion. Instead, it was Australia who capitalized on an intercept play by Tom Trbojevic, which allowed the Kangaroos to take a 6-0 lead at halftime. Remarkably, Australia controlled just 40% of the possession and faced 50 more tackles than their opponents during the first half, yet they managed to edge ahead on the scoreboard.

Second Half Breakthrough

The second half saw Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow extend Australia’s lead with a try in the 51st minute, slipping through a gap in Tonga’s defense. The Tongan side appeared poised to respond when prop Keaon Koloamatangi thought he had scored, only for the try to be disallowed after replays indicated he had fumbled the ball during the put-down.

Emerging Tongan halfback Isaiya Katoa struggled with his kicking throughout the match, twice kicking restarts out on the full and failing to find his rhythm on several grubber kicks that went dead in goal. One of his closest attempts at a 40-20 was thwarted when the ball rolled into the in-goal area before going out of bounds, illustrating the frustration for Tonga as they attempted to find their scoring touch.

Tactical Plays and Strategic Decisions

Tabuai-Fidow’s try came from the subsequent set after Katoa's missed opportunity, and shortly thereafter, Tonga's fullback Lehi Hopoate was sin-binned for a high tackle on Australian hooker Harry Grant, an attempt to prevent another try. The Kangaroos capitalized on this advantage, with Zac Lomax kicking a penalty goal to stretch the lead further.

Australia fielded six debutants in this match, including halfback Mitch Moses, who was eager to impress after recovering from a biceps injury sustained during July’s State of Origin decider. Although he had one misstep by kicking the ball out on the full, Moses generally looked sharp and contributed significantly to Australia’s efforts. His halves partner, Tom Dearden, also made his debut, showing glimpses of promise despite a couple of misjudged passes. He capped off his performance with a brilliant solo try in the final moments, sealing the 18-0 victory.

Tonga’s Resilience Despite Loss

Tonga’s Haumole Olakau’atu made his presence felt throughout the match, delivering punishing tackles on both Trbojevic and Australian forward Lindsay Collins. Despite the loss, Tonga's physicality and resilience highlighted their competitive spirit, even if their execution in key moments fell short.

Mal Meninga’s Australian side is set to face New Zealand next Sunday, marking their first meeting since the Kangaroos’ decisive 30-0 victory in November. This upcoming clash promises to be a significant test for the Australians, who are eager to maintain their winning momentum.

Women's Pacific Championships: A Historic Performance

Earlier in the evening, Australia’s women’s team showcased their dominance in a one-sided match against Papua New Guinea, winning 84-0. Julia Robinson's outstanding performance, scoring six tries, set a record, while teammate Jakiya Whitfeld added five tries, surpassing the previous record of four set by Sam Bremner two years ago. The Jillaroos’ total of 17 tries in the match reflects their overwhelming superiority, especially against a Papua New Guinea side that had only one regular NRLW player, Elsie Albert, in their ranks.

Despite having moments of offensive threat, the Orchids, who only formed their team in 2017, struggled against a more experienced Australian side. They recently completed a seven-week domestic season, which limited their ability to compete at this higher level. Unfortunately, they also suffered a setback when La-Toniya Norris-Addo sustained a suspected ACL injury in the first half while attempting to tackle Whitfeld.

Setting the Stage for Future Matches

The Jillaroos managed to convert just 8 of their 17 attempts, primarily from the sideline, missing out on breaking their own record for the largest winning margin, which currently stands at 92-0 against France in 2022. Nonetheless, their 84-0 victory marks their biggest win against Papua New Guinea and serves as a strong preparation for their upcoming rematch with New Zealand, who previously defeated them in their last Test.

PNG coach Tahnee Norris, a former Jillaroos player, acknowledged the gap between the two teams but expressed optimism about the developmental progress of the Orchids. “We’re a little bit behind that at the moment but I think it is worth playing,” she said, emphasizing the need for continued growth and competitiveness in the women’s game.

The Kangaroos’ solid victory over Tonga in the Pacific Championships opener and the Jillaroos’ historic performance against Papua New Guinea set a promising tone for Australian rugby league. While the Kangaroos will be keen to build on this win against New Zealand, the women’s team also looks ahead with confidence as they prepare for a crucial rematch. The matches not only showcase the talent in Australian rugby league but also the spirit and resilience of their Pacific counterparts, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the tournament.