Tonga’s National Rugby League team lost 26 – 6 to a strong New Zealand side on Saturday, 25 June, in front of a full house at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.

The game’s opening try was scored early by Kiwis Jahromes Hughes who ran from 10 metres out carrying three defenders over the line.

The Kiwis extended that lead 12 – 0 with another try by Jordan Rapana.

Tonga hit back with Sione Katoa crossing for his first Test try bringing the score to 12-6.

However, the Kiwis extended their lead when Rapana kicked a penalty goal making it 14-6.

Tonga was down one player after Christian Tu’ipulotu was sin binned for a professional foul and the Kiwis capitalized on this with another try to Ronaldo Mulitalo.

Another try by Kiwis Isaiah Papali’i brought the score to 26-6.

At a press conference after the match, Tonga’s Coach for the game, Dean Young said they were disappointed with the result and with how they started the game.

“I thought defensively we were probably too passive but I’m very proud of the boy’s effort.”

“They just kept turning up for each other and they were always gonna do that but there were some great efforts in the back of the game, and no field position all night. Full credit to the Kiwis, they played really really well.”

He said they are taking a lot out of the game even though they lost.

Nine Tongan players made their debut on the night. The average age at the back was just under the age of 21, he said.

The game is a warm up match leading up to the Rugby League World Cup to be held in October this year in the UK.