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The Pacific Championships final at CommBank Stadium came down to a battle between the knockout sluggers in the red corner and the clinical technicians in green and gold. Australia absorbed the heavy blows of the Tongan behemoths to ultimately prove too strong in a pulsating trophy decider in front of a sold-out stadium dominated by the supporters clad in red who sung, screamed and willed their team throughout the 80-minute slugfest. Ultimately it was the class of Kangaroos duo Tom Dearden and Tom Trbojevic which proved the difference with the Cowboys five-eighth and Manly fullback moonlighting at centre at the forefront of Australia’s courageous performance under heavy fire.

The 20-14 win restored Australia’s standing as the undisputed kings of international rugby league after they were flogged 30-0 by New Zealand in the corresponding match 12 months ago but nothing is certain anymore when it comes to rep footy. Tonga, with young guns like Isaiya Katoa, Tolu Koula and Lehi Hopoate in the early stages of their NRL and international careers, will only get better in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, particularly if the likes of rejuvenated veterans Jason Taumalolo and Felisa Kaufusi can keep turning back the clock whenever they pull on the red jersey of their beloved Pacific nation. TONGA SCORE FIRST AND THE CROWD IS LOVING IT! ???? ???? ???? ???? Watch #PacificChamps on ch.



502 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/oUarA6CM5T ✍️ BLOG https://t.co/KcukSnP52Y ???? MATCH CENTRE .

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