Australia Claims Pacific Championship Title with Narrow Win Over Tonga

SYDNEY — In an exhilarating showdown, the Australian rugby league team triumphed over Tonga with a 20-14 victory in the Pacific Championship final held on Sunday. Key players Tom Trbojevic and Tom Deardon were instrumental in this win, contributing crucial tries on either side of halftime to help the Kangaroos secure their championship crown.

Tonga stunned the crowd by scoring the first try just seven minutes into the game, igniting a passionate response from their fanbase, which dominated the stands at Parramatta Stadium. The fervent supporters, adorned in red and waving flags, created a lively atmosphere that felt almost like a home game for the Tongan team. Their cheers and animated singing echoed throughout the contest, amplifying the tension on the field.

Sione Katoa’s early try excited the Tonga fans, sending them into rapturous celebration. However, Australia quickly regrouped, with Trbojevic finding the try line twice shortly before and after halftime. By the break, the Kangaroos had turned the game around, leading 14-4, and extended their lead to 20-4 shortly after the intermission.

Despite his impressive performance, Trbojevic had two tries disallowed; the first was in the 38th minute when he was held up just short of the line, and a second in the 48th minute due to a forward pass. Nevertheless, his contributions were vital to Australia’s momentum.

Tonga pressed hard, nearly extending their score before Israel Folau’s two-point try—kicking off a 27th-minute raid to find Xavier Coates, who made a spectacular touch down. Their efforts almost paid off when Daniel Tupou nearly added to their tally, only to be thwarted as he lost the ball inches from scoring.

Deardon played a key role in the Kangaroos’ attacking strategy, breaking through Tonga’s defense and assisting Trbojevic for both of his tries. Tonga’s resurgence was marked by a notable score from Haumole Olakau’atu in the 58th minute, which revived the spirit among their fans.

As the match neared its conclusion, Soni Luke’s costly error near the goal line allowed Eli Katoa to push through, narrowing Australia’s lead to just six points with seven minutes left on the clock. The tension peaked in the dying moments when Coates nearly secured a breathtaking second try but lost possession in a dramatic dive.

Tonga fought valiantly to seize a final chance to level the score, but their hopes slipped away as they lost the ball in the closing stages, handing Australia the championship victory. The thrilling encounter showcased the endurance and skill of both teams, marking a memorable finale to the Pacific Championship.