Tongan centre Michael Jennings

Some still see Tonga as a minnow nation in the rugby league world but a domineering win over a strong Great Britain side has some thinking otherwise. 

Rightfully so, as the new giant killers of the rugby league world produced a near flawless performance to record the 14-6 win at Waikato.

The first half was all Tonga and the second half was in many ways, too, but more due to their defensive resolve.

After a much maligned leadup owing to the political shambles that Tongan rugby league seems to be turning into, the display was even more impressive.

It would be veteran Parramatta Eels centre Michael Jennings who was involved in everything.

The first, a try of his own, after he pummeled Lachlan Coote, dislodged the Steeden and did the rest to score.

The second, he turned provider. He just appeared, and found Sione Katoa to score the Tongans second try.

That second try made all the more spectacular by the hot-potato, razzle-dazzle, offload-at-will frenzy; a total of 16 passes and a kick.

The English were not down and out, however, after John Bateman went it alone to open the Lions account.

That would be all she wrote, though, as Tonga’s defence held firm from then on to record a big win over the Brits.

By ricky

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