The pressure is mounting for Australia’s Kangaroos as they gear up to face Tonga in the opening match of the Pacific Cup. For coach Mal Meninga, this tournament is bigger than State of Origin, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. A potential relegation from the Pacific Cup looms large, raising the intensity ahead of the game. Despite holding the top spot in the IRL World Rankings, the Kangaroos face a serious challenge after their devastating 30-0 loss to New Zealand in last year’s Pacific Cup final.
A Must-Win Game for the Kangaroos
The last time Australia faced Tonga, they suffered a surprising 16-12 defeat in 2019 at Eden Park. This memory is still fresh for Meninga’s squad as they take the field on Friday night. Captain Isaah Yeo will lead the team with the goal of restoring Australia’s dominance and ensuring they don’t slip into relegation territory.
For fans expecting a routine victory, the stats are a stark reminder:
- Australia’s last Test against Tonga ended in a 16-12 loss.
- The Kangaroos’ most recent Test against New Zealand was a 30-0 defeat.
Meninga knows that a win is crucial not only for pride but for their survival in the Pacific Cup. This is more than just a match—it’s a battle for redemption.
Tonga’s Confidence and Talent Surge
Tongan coach Kristian Woolf has assembled one of the strongest teams his nation has fielded in years, with players like Jason Taumalolo and Addin Fonua-Blake leading the charge. Woolf is not making bold predictions, but he’s confident in his team’s potential. He recalls the magic of their 2019 victories over Australia and Great Britain, saying, “This group has certainly got a similar feel.”
Woolf’s squad for this Pacific Cup is loaded with talent, and he believes they have what it takes to cause another upset. Here’s a look at what makes this Tongan team so dangerous:
- Jason Taumalolo: One of the most powerful forwards in the game.
- Addin Fonua-Blake: A key force in Tonga’s forward pack.
- A strong sense of unity and belief reminiscent of their 2019 success.
This confidence, coupled with their history of stunning victories, makes Tonga a formidable opponent.
The New Format Brings High Stakes for Every Game
The revamped Pacific Championships format ensures that every match matters, and the ramifications go beyond the scoreline. The third-placed team in the Cup will face the winner of the Bowl—either Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG), or the Cook Islands—for a spot in next year’s Pacific Cup. This raises the intensity of the tournament, as even a single loss could lead to a relegation match.
Here’s what’s at stake for the Kangaroos and other teams in the Pacific Cup:
- If Australia beats Tonga: Tonga must defeat New Zealand to avoid the relegation match.
- If Tonga beats Australia: Australia will have to beat New Zealand to avoid relegation.
The complexity of the tournament format adds layers of drama, where every outcome impacts the teams’ future standings.
Women’s Pacific Championship Offers World Cup Qualification
While the men’s Pacific Cup garners much attention, the women’s Pacific Championship carries even more weight. The tournament doubles as a qualifier for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Samoa and Tonga facing off in a high-stakes elimination match.
The winner of this clash will move on to a final play-off, where they’ll have the chance to secure the seventh spot in the 2026 World Cup. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s at stake in the women’s matches:
- Tonga wins: They advance to the final and compete for World Cup qualification.
- Samoa wins: Tonga is eliminated, and Samoa moves on to the final.
With the World Cup spot up for grabs, the intensity in these women’s matches is palpable, and the outcomes could shape the future of rugby league on the global stage.
