Niue have jumped 10 places in the latest Rugby League World Rankings following their runners up finish at the Emerging Nations World Championship.
Niue beat Malta in pool play before losing the grand final rematch. Photo: Emerging Nations World Championship.
The Rock are now at an all time high of 24th in the men's standings, while Emerging Nations winners Malta, who Niue beat in pool play before losing the title match, have risen two spots to 16th in the world.
Solomon Islands also made a major leap from 42nd to 27th in the world after winning three of their four tests at the Emerging Nations Championship, while Vanuatu moved up three spots to 33rd.
Solomon Islands jumped 15 places. Photo: Emerging Nations World Championship.
Mate Ma'a Tonga retain their position at fourth in the world despite losing 34-16 to world champions Australia in October.
The Kangaroos continue to lead the way although England have leapfrogged New Zealand into second place, after beating the Kiwis 2-1 in their end of year series.
Australian and Tongan players get together for a photo after the Tonga-Australia rugby league Test, Auckland 2018. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Fiji Bati stay steady at fifth, France moved above Toa Samoa and Scotland into sixth in the world, while Papua New Guinea round out the top ten.
There were no changes to the women's world rankings with Australia topping the list from New Zealand.
The Cook Islands remain in fifth place, despite not playing a test in 2018, with the Papua New Guinea Orchids sixth after being outclassed 40-4 in a rematch against the world champion Jillaroos in October.