Red Dawn: Historic Tongan rugby league victory sends statement through World Cup

Tonga have announced themselves as true World Cup heavyweights after claiming a famous 30-12 victory over England in Perth on Saturday night.

The statement win was their first-ever over the rugby league powerhouse from Europe.

In front of 18,302 fans at HBF Park, Kristian Woolf’s men delivered a defensive masterclass nine years in the making to avenge their agonising two-point loss in the 2017 semi-final in Auckland and take control of their pool in this year's tournament.

Tonga were forced to dig deep after losing young five-eighth Latu Fainu early in the match to injury. Despite the setback and an early barrage from England, the red wall held firm.

England made 54 tackles in the Tongan half and 29 inside the 20-metre line, yet could only manage two tries against a relentless scramble defence.

Former England international and NRL Bulldogs captain, James Graham, called it a defensive “statement” from Tonga as they set their sights on a deep tournament run.

Leading 10-0 at halftime through an early Stefano Utoikamanu try and man-of-the-match Isaiya Katoa penalty goals, Tonga absorbed heavy English pressure after the break. England pegged the score back to 10-6 but two tries in three minutes blew the contest wide open.

Back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu, who was in tears during the national anthem and led the Sipi Tau, scored twice in the second half after pouncing on Katoa grubber kicks to seal the historic triumph alongside a try to Sea Eagles teammate Tolu Koula.

Tongan captain Jason Taumalolo hailed his side's relentless work ethic and belief after writing a new chapter in the nation's rugby league history. “It’s a massive moment for us as a team and for all our people back home and around the world,” Taumalolo told Seven.

Jason Taumalolo praised his side’s defensive grit and belief after Tonga secured a historic first-ever Test win over England. Photo/NRL.com

“We knew what we had to do defensively against a quality side like England. To hold them out the way we did and get our first win against them shows how far this group has come. But the job is far from over,” Taumalolo said.

Tongan centre and NRL Roosters star, Robert Toia, opened up about what the jersey means to the players and the fans.

“Obviously it's pretty special. I'm so fortunate to be able to put this colour on again,” he told Seven. “We got a little insight into our prep last year going back to Tonga and we saw how much it means to the people.

"As you can see, it means so much to all these people and especially to ourselves and the fans.”

Toia praised halfback Katoa for pulling the strings throughout the match.

“He's everything. He's the main man. And to be his age and one of the best half-backs in the final, that's the most key position in the team. So yeah, we're lucky to have him.”

Watch Tongan fans celebrate their team's win over England in Perth on Saturday night.

Reflecting on Olakau’atu's emotional performance and leadership on the night, Toia added: “It's so, so for him to get that, you know, it means so much to him as well. And obviously you saw he got to lead the Sipi Tau. So, you know, it means so much.”

Fullback Lehi Hopoate also produced a series of crucial try-saving plays, backed by a strong team culture off the field.

“Yeah, Lehi, it's amazing to see what he can do,” Toia said. “You know, he goes unnoticed but he's always there in the picture.”

With medical staff optimistic Fainu’s injury is not severe, Tonga now control their own finals destiny with games against Lebanon and Toa Sāmoa ahead.

Looking to the next stage, Toia made it clear the team will not slow down. “I think just keeping to our strengths but also keeping the foot on the gas.

"We don't want to let off just because we're playing, another team against Lebanon compared to tonight. So, yeah, just keeping the foot on the gas and keeping the momentum building.”

Robert Toia and Haumole Olakau’atu celebrate in Perth as Tonga secured their first-ever Test victory over England. Photo/Facebook/RL Show

Tonga now turn their focus to their remaining Group B pool matches, facing Lebanon on Sunday, 25 October before a Pacific showdown against Sāmoa on Sunday, 1 November at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.

In other Rugby League World Cup action on Saturday, the Papua New Guinea Kumuls made a statement of their own in Port Moresby, overpowering Lebanon 42-18 in front of a rocking home crowd.

Meanwhile, in the Women’s World Cup, PNG dismantled France 58-4 while England kicked off their campaign with a 70-6 win over Wales.

In the first match of a double-header in Port Moresby, the Kumuls ran in seven tries to Lebanon's three with Gairo Voro, Robert Derby, Nixon Putt, Finley Glare, Epel Kapinias, Rhyse Martin, and Bailey Biondi-Odo all crossing the line for the hosts while Martin added the extras with the boot.

Lebanon's points came through a double to Abbas Miski and a try to Tony Sukkar with Alex Conti kicking three goals.

Sunday sees the Kiwi Ferns take on the Fiji Bulikula at the McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia, at 5.50pm NZ time followed by the Fiji Bati men facing Cook Islands at 8.05pm NZT.