Posted: 10 Nov 2024 04:30 EST | Updated: November 10, 2024 04:30 EST
Tom Dearden showed he belongs in the life-or-death environment of Test rugby league after leading Australia to a 20-14 Pacific Cup final victory over Tonga.
Sunday in front of a pro-Tonga crowd of 28,728 at Combank Stadium. kangaroo They made up for last year’s final loss to New Zealand, which was their biggest loss in history.
Tom Trbojevic grabbed two tries through the middle but it was Dearden who shone brightest, showing a ruthless edge that took advantage of Tonga’s defensive failings while upstaging halfback Mitchell Moses on home ground.
If it weren’t for the injuries Nathan Cleary and Cameron Munster in the north. queensland The playmaker may have been relegated to a bit role in this tournament.
But his man-of-the-match performance against Tonga has now caused Mal Meninga a major headache ahead of next year’s Ashes series against England.
“His confidence has grown over the three games and his belief that he belongs on this pitch has grown,” Meninga said.
‘He is in the number 6 shirt and was outstanding today.
‘But it’s all around Tom that believes in him and once he gets that on a regular basis he’s going to be a great player.
‘Sometimes it takes a while for players to believe they belong in this environment.’
Coming off an upset win over the Kiwis last week, the Tongans threatened to cause another boil-over when they scored with seven minutes remaining to close the gap to six points.
But Christian Wolff’s side lacked the same level of composure as their Australian rivals after taking an early lead.
“I’m very proud of our guys,” Wolf said. “I thought our effort was amazing and that’s the only thing I could ask for.”
‘There was a chance we didn’t get it right and that led to a slightly different result. We just didn’t execute well.’
Halfback Isaiya Katoa was the architect of his side’s six-minute opener, swimming across the field to set up Sione Katoa, who thrilled the hymn-singing Tongan crowd.
Tongan No.7 was unable to convert and soon rebooted and went offline, giving Australia the opportunity to post a reply.
The final tackle bomb was swallowed by Trbojevic and the Kangaroos raced down the field with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow touching down in the corner.
‘I’m really proud of Isaiya for this tournament,’ added Woolf.
‘He doesn’t get everything right and he has really high standards for himself.
‘He will get better and better through this competition. I’ve seen him grow through this tournament.’
After Tonga winger Daniel Tupou had a try canceled out for interference, the Kangaroos settled down and pushed further forward when Lehi Hopoate was dragged into his own goal.
In the next set, Australia moved left through the lively Dearden and found Xavier Coates in the corner.
Dearden was the architect of Australia’s next strike when the North Queensland playmaker pinballed it through Taniela Paseka and Soni Luke in center field.
Trbojevic backed up to assist and touched the underside of the post.
The Manly full-back was denied twice in the final two minutes of the first half by Tonga’s mixed defense that limited the Kangaroos’ half-time lead to 14-4.
But any hopes of Tonga getting back into the game were quickly dashed when center Paul Alamoti was tackled with a dislocated elbow.
Sensing Alamoti were vulnerable, Dearden showed great awareness in attacking the gap the Tongan center had to defend to send Trbojevic through for a second.
Australia were on the verge of running away with the game until Tui Lolohea sent a goal-bound grubber dotted by Haumole Olakau’atu.
Eli Katoa crashed in the 73rd minute to reduce the Kangaroos’ lead to six points, but Tonga was unable to deliver the deciding blow to send the game to golden point.
