Pacific Championships: Tonga's training session ahead of their clash against Australia in the Pacific Championships final was packed with fans in a big show of support.
Tonga can ride the momentum from Addin Fonua-Blake and Jason Taumalolo to make history against Australia in the Pacific Championships final.But their halves Tuimoala Lolohea and Isaiya Katoa are going to have to stand up when it matters in a crucial battle with Australia ’s new pair Mitchell Moses and Tom Dearden .
“Australia won the game 18-0, but they got an intercept try right before half time, and Tom Dearden scored a bit of a consolation try right at the end,” Parker said.Parker believes Tonga have improved since their Round 1 shutout against the Kangaroos, with their attack shining in the first half against New Zealand.
However, Parker believes it is easy to forget Katoa is still just 20 years old and he bounced back to lead Tonga to victory with a clutch field goal against the New Zealand.“They are very different the halves. Lolohea is just a different half to Katoa. “Moses has been out injured a long time, so it takes time to get your match fitness and feel for the game back as a No.7,” Parker explained.Another concern for Tonga is the injury to fullback Lehi Hopoate, despite the fact he was named.“I don’t know whether Lehi Hopoate is injured or not, but they’ve got Tolu Koula at 18th man that can fill that role,” Parker said.
However, Parker believes Meninga has got it right and backed Burton and Reuben Cotter to share the hooker duties should Grant go down. “Soni Luke came on and provided some spark against New Zealand, so it will be interesting,” Parker said. The fact that 1000 fans descended on Arndell Park for a Tongan training session on Tuesday shows just how much support Tonga have in Western Sydney.
“Australia were a little bit clunky and the Tongans probably failed to take their opportunities,” Parker said.However, Parker warned Australia’s excellent defence could make it tough for Tonga to score enough points to win.“Offensively, they’ve been clunky in game one, but got better in game two. They’ve had a week off now. Does that help or hinder them? I’m not sure.”“It’s going to be an unbelievable final,” Parker said.
Attack Shining Jason Taumalolo James Fisher Harris Talking Points Final Burning Questions Game Time Champs Final Burning Burning Questions Miracle Win Training Session Stick Policy Field Goal Match Fitness Tongan Fans Pack Battle Holds Key Lehi Hopoate Harry Grant New Zealand Dylan Edwards Consolation Try Clutch Victory Ben Hunt Tournament Opener Kicking Game Mark St John Mitchell Moses New South Wales Oceania Real Try-Scoring Opportunities Metre Restarts Soni Luke Tackle Options Corey Parker New Zealand Kiwis Fox League Australia And New Zealand Cook Islands Australian Camp Hooker Role Fisher Harris St George Illawarra Dragons Addin Fonua-Blake Try-Scoring Opportunities Reece Robson Hooker Duties Tom Dearden Mal Meninga Spine Members Australia Pacific Championships Halves Battle Holds Queensland Intercept Try
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