LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a fierce battle on the field, the Kangaroos have clinched the Pacific Cup title for the first time, holding off a determined Tongan side to secure a 20-14 victory in a thrilling final in Sydney.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Australia initially looking set for a comfortable win before Tonga fought back with a late surge, testing the Kangaroos' mettle with some nail-biting moments.
This victory marks a redemption of sorts for the Kangaroos, who had suffered a humiliating 30-0 defeat at the hands of the Kiwis in the previous year's final.
Their resilience and determination shone through in this intense battle, with moments of brilliance on attack and staunch goal-line defence proving pivotal in sealing the win.
Fueled by the energy of the passionate 28,728-strong crowd and fueled by their recent dominant performance against the Kiwis, the Kangaroos stormed ahead early in the match with a try from Sione Katoa.
Despite Tonga's efforts to stay in the game, the Kangaroos shifted into a higher gear in the second half, leaving their opponents struggling to keep up.
The Kangaroos' five-eighth, Tom Dearden, delivered a standout performance in his debut Test campaign, earning the man-of-the-match accolade with a series of game-changing plays.
Meanwhile, Tom Trbojevic lit up the field with his attacking prowess, scoring two tries and causing havoc for the Tongan defence with his six tackle breaks, despite having two tries ruled out.
Overall, it was a hard-fought victory for the Kangaroos, showcasing their skill, determination, and ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
This win cements their status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of Rugby League, and sets the stage for future triumphs on the international stage.