Tonga will take on the Kangaroos, in an iconic rematch for the Pacific Champions finals. The game is set kickoff at 6:00pm on Sunday, 10 November 2024 (Tongan Time), at the CommBank Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
Tonga secured their final spot after a nail-biting victory against New Zealand (25-24) on Saturday last week. Tonga’s no.7 Isaiya Katoa, secured their victory after he kicked and scored a field goal on the 76th minute. Prop and captain, Addin Fonua-Blake was Tonga’s best against the Kiwis, running 224 meters with the ball and was skillfully supported by teammates, Felise Kaufusi, Eliesa Katoa, Siua Wong, Siliva Havili and Taumalolo.
This will be Tonga’s fourth rugby league encounter with Australia on the field, NRL media said that “Tonga and Australia have met just three times previously (all since 2018), with Tonga winning in 2019.”
Tonga lost to Australia (18-0) on 18 October, during the first week of the championship at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
However, Mate Ma’a Tonga’s Head Coach, Kristian Woolf said that his side had taken a lot from their performance that would help them against the Kiwis and the Kangaroos.
“We knew we had a good performance against Australia. We took a lot of confidence out of that,” Woolf said.
Tongan star forward, Keaon Koloamatangi is also expected back for the finals, after missing the match against New Zealand to be with his partner for the birth of their child Australia.
