Tonga Invitational XIII produced a stunning 14 – 6 victory over the GB Lions after a dominant first-half performance in which two tries were scored by Michael Jennings and Sione Katoa. The convincing win affirms Tonga’s status as a rugby league tier one nation in a statement of unity by Tonga’s elite rugby players after a recent fallout with the estranged Tonga National Rugby League board.
Great Britain’s Lions trailed 12 – 0 and rallied in the second half but managed only one try after consistently failing to break a stubborn Tongan defense. The.international test match was played in front of a predominately Tongan and jubilant crowd at FMG stadium in Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand.
At home in Nuku'alofa, fans are celebrating the victory with fireworks, red flags and loud music booming from cars.
Tonga’s next game is against Australia on Saturday, 2 November.
- Finau Fonua.
