The Rugby League World Cup Trophies, 2022. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Tonga have survived a near upset in their opening game of the Rugby League World Cup, narrowly beating Papua New Guinea's Kumuls by 24 points to 18.
It was a nail-biting game, with many commentators calling it the match of the tournament so far.
Mate Ma'a Tonga initially appeared to be in control of the game when they lead 18 to 6 at the break, but in the second half, the Kumuls launched a valiant comeback, scoring two tries, to level the game 18 all.
But with just two minutes left on the clock, Tongan second-row Keanon Koloamatangi chased down a grubber kick to score a tie-breaking try. For Tongan fans, it was jubilation and relief, but for Papuan New Guineans, it was heartbreak and disappointment.
"We knew it wasn't going to be an easy game. From the get-go, we feel the impact from every hit up, from beginning to end," said Koloamatangi.
"Credit to PNG, their effort shows how much they love their football and how much pride they have in their jersey, and we tried to replicate that. We came over with the win at the end."
The game was not without controversy, with a no try decision called by video referee on a corner try attempt in the 53rd minute by Kumul centre Justin Olam, has sparked a social media backlash, with many saying that Olam had been prevented from scoring a try by an illegal shoulder charge.
Kumuls head coach Stanley Tepend said he respected the video referee's decision.
"We thought it was a try, but we respect that decision. It could have gone either way. Apart from that we had other opportunities in the first half to score a couple of tries," Tepend said.
Tepend said he's proud of his team's performance and character and had little to critique his team for.
"They gave it everything, and that's what we spoke about all week in camp about what the jersey meant, and I think the whole country will be proud of their performance, and their families and their teammates."
The win marks Tonga's first-ever win over Papua New Guinea. The Kumuls have recorded seven victories over Tonga since
Tongan coach Kristian also praised the Kumuls, who entered the game as underdogs, with heavy favourites Mate Ma'a Tonga considered by many to be serious contenders for winning the Rugby League World Cup trophy.
"PNG really good, you know we knew they'll turn up. We knew that they would turn up and we knew they would be physical. We knew exactly what to expect from them. This is actually the first Tonga has beaten PNG. You know, they're a tough team to play, they play with passion. I'm really glad our team found a way to win, but we got to be better and we will be better."
Man of the match went to Kumuls hooker Edwin Ipape whose superb foot work played a key role in creating space for the Kumuls to score tries.
"Obviously not the result that we wanted. You know, we know that 8 million plus people back home are watching and you see the effort from our boys, they played to the very last minute," Ipape said.
"Credit to the Tongan boys, they kept turning up for each other. I'm just so glad that my boys played to the best that they can tonight."
Tonga's next game is against Wales whilst the Kumuls take on the Cook Islands.