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Kangaroos hold off charging Tonga to win Pacific Cup

By AFP
November 11, 2024
The Australian players celebrate winning the Mens Pacific Championships Rugby League final. — AFP/File
The Australian players celebrate winning the Men's Pacific Championships Rugby League final. — AFP/File

SYDNEY: Manly Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic grabbed two tries for Australia against a gritty Tonga on Sunday, to win rugby league´s end-of-year Pacific Cup 20-14.

Despite the defeat, it was a breakthrough tournament for the Tongans who upset title holders New Zealand to make the decider, and their fans were out en-masse in a sea of red at Sydney´s Parramatta Stadium.

They took a shock early lead when Sione Katoa crossed before the Kangaroos asserted themselves, establishing a 20-4 advantage with Trbojevic bagging two tries and having two disallowed.

But Tonga never gave up.Haumole Olakau´atu got on the end of a Tuimoala Lolohea grubber kick to breathe life back into their cause before Eliesa Katoa put them within six points with seven minutes to play.Australia clung on for the win, with the women´s side -- the Jillaroos -- making it a double celebration after beating New Zealand 24-4 in their final