In a hard-fought battle at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium on November 10, 2024, the Australian Kangaroos emerged victorious, defeating Mate Ma’a Tonga 20-14 to capture their first Pacific Cup title. Both teams delivered electrifying performances, with Australia’s defensive resilience proving crucial in fending off a late surge from the Tongan side.
The match unfolded against a backdrop of vibrant, unwavering support from Tongan fans, who turned CommBank Stadium into a sea of red, filling the stands with flags, chants, and traditional Tongan songs. The passion of the Tongan crowd energised the game, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that echoed through the stadium and added intensity to every play on the field.
Early Moments and Momentum Shifts
The game started strong for Tonga, with winger Sione Katoa opening the scoring and setting an early tone of aggression. Australia quickly regrouped, however, and the response came from star fullback Tom Trbojevic, who powered through the Tongan defence to score his first of two tries. Trbojevic’s speed and agility were instrumental throughout the game, giving Australia the edge as he broke through tackles and created scoring opportunities.
Trbojevic’s two-try performance wasn’t without its challenges; two additional attempts were disallowed, adding to the suspense as Australia sought to maintain control of the game. Five-eighth Tom Dearden emerged as a standout player, orchestrating plays and displaying composure under pressure. His strategic ball movement and vision were pivotal, earning him the man-of-the-match honour.
Tonga’s Fierce Comeback Attempt
With Australia holding a comfortable 20-4 lead heading into the final 25 minutes, it looked as though the Kangaroos would cruise to victory. But Tonga wasn’t done yet. The Tongan fans, still rallying their players with chants and cheers, brought renewed energy that seemed to fuel the team’s comeback spirit. Driven by determination and the roaring support of their crowd, Tonga mounted a formidable rally, scoring two tries in quick succession to close the gap to 20-14. The final quarter of the game saw Tonga relentlessly pressing on Australia’s line, testing the Kangaroos’ defensive mettle.
Australia’s defence ultimately held firm, as they resisted Tonga’s offensive pressure in the closing minutes, denying their opponents the tries needed to complete the comeback. The Kangaroos’ ability to keep their composure and execute defensive plays under pressure was critical to securing the win.
Key Performers
Tom Trbojevic (Australia): The fullback’s dynamic performance included two tries and six tackle breaks, reinforcing his reputation as one of Australia’s most potent attacking threats.
Tom Dearden (Australia): Awarded man-of-the-match, Dearden’s playmaking skill and game management were crucial in setting up Australia’s scoring opportunities.
Sione Katoa (Tonga): Katoa opened the game’s scoring and remained a constant threat on the wing, exemplifying Tonga’s tenacity.
A Milestone Victory for the Kangaroos
For the Kangaroos, this Pacific Cup win symbolises resilience and growth after last year’s disappointment. The team’s ability to withstand Tonga’s late surge speaks volumes about their defensive prowess and teamwork. The victory also represents a bright future for the Kangaroos as they prepare to defend their Pacific Cup title in the years to come.
For the Tongan fans and players alike, this final was another proud moment in the journey of Mate Ma’a Tonga, showcasing the team's strength and the spirit that drives them. As they sang, cheered, and rallied, the Tongan fans proved to be one of the highlights of the match, bringing a sense of unity and pride that resonates far beyond the game.
With this title, Australia reasserts its place as a dominant force in international rugby league, while Tonga’s performance reflects the growing strength and competitiveness of Pacific nations in the sport. The Mate Ma’a Tonga squad, known for their passion and resilience, will undoubtedly be back, continuing to build on their recent successes and pushing for future championships.
This Pacific Cup final was a showcase of rugby league at its best, filled with thrilling plays, strategic defence, and an atmosphere charged by the Tongan fans that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
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