22 Apr 2013

Sport: Tonga make big statement against Samoa in Pacific Test

10:27 am on 22 April 2013

The Tonga rugby league coach Charles Tonga says his team made a big statement after thumping Samoa 36-4 in the Pacific Test on Saturday night

Mate Ma'a ran in seven tries to one against their more fancied opponents, with winger Mahe Fonua, centre Siuatonga Likiliki and stand-off Samsoni Langi each crossing twice.

Charles Tonga says after previous defeats against the Toa it was nice to finish on the right side of the ledger.

"We have lost twice now to Samoa, even 2010. Nobody likes to lose and we wanted to make a statement but it wasn't a matter of talking about it, it was get out on the field and do it. That was the end result and I'm very pleased."

Tonga were captained by former Australia international Brent Kite in the one-off test, and Charles Tonga hopefully the result will encourage more frontline players to make themselves available for the team leading in to the World Cup at the end of the year.

It is a big statement and I think, after this, a lot of guys will be looking to come back for Tonga and also sponsorship wise - you know everybody wants to follow a winning team - and it's pretty hard with the Pacific Islanders but we're hoping to snag a couple for the World Cup at the end of the year.