Tonga XIII set to take on Kiwis after losing to Samoa

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Tonga vs Samoa Pacific Championship Cup clash. Brisbane, Australia. 26 October 2025. Photo: Reddit.

Round 3 of the Rugby League Pacific Championship Cup will see Tonga XIII take on the New Zealand Kiwis at Eden Park in Auckland, on Sunday, 2 November 2025.

Last Sunday, 26 October, Toa Samoa resoundingly defeated Tonga XIII with six tries, four conversions and a penalty goal. By half-time Samoa was leading with 12 points to nil.

Towards the end of the last half, Tonga’s Centre, Tolutau Koula score a try on the 78^th minute bring the final score to 34-6.

Tonga's star player, Jason Taumalolo, could not play this test match due to a knee cleanout surgery after his NRL Season with the Cowboys. However, he is expected to play in the match against the Kiwis this week.

Toa Samoa, try celebration. Brisbane, Australia. 26 October 2025. Photo: NRL.

The game between Tonga and Samoa was interrupted by lightning, thunder and a hailstorm – 20 minutes into the second half. People in exposed areas of the stadium, including the players, were required to evacuate immediately. Play stopped for 95 minutes.

NRL estimated that about 15,000 people stayed to watch the rest of the match.

This match saw 44,682 in the crowd – the biggest in Australia for a Test match not involving the Kangaroos since 1957 which saw 50,077 watching a World Cup clash between Britain and France.

Although Tonga fans were upset with the results of the game, they continue to show their support for Tonga XIII as they prepare to take on the Kiwis.

Team Lists

Tonga XIII