Current Events

As a few people may know, Tonga (MMT) had a rugby league game against New Zealand (The Kiwi's) at Mt smart stadium. The result was revenge for the Kiwis after Tonga had beaten them in the World Cup 18 months ago. The Kiwis were too clinical, scoring six tries against three in a disciplined display. Shaun Johnson was in fine form, scoring two tries in the 10 minutes before halftime to put his team 16-4 ahead. He added a third try in the second half. It was a sweet double for the playmaker in his 30th test, coming at the ground where he built his reputation with the Warriors over eight seasons before a bitter departure for Cronulla over the off-season. Captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak said Johnson’s value on and off the park can’t be underestimated. “He’s a freak, it’s really nice to have him in our team. We’re lucky to have him,” the skipper said. Just as influential was hooker Brandon Smith, whose frustration at a lack of starts for Melbourne may have been behind his dynamic display. Smith opened the scoring with a sensational 35-metre solo try from dummy half before setting up Roger Tuivasa-Sheck soon after halftime with a burst and grubber which struck the upright.
The Kiwis have thrashed Tonga 34-14 in the inaugural Oceania Cup test.