Tonga Defeats Lebanon 36-0 in Rugby League World Cup

Tonga controlled the fixture despite committing 16 errors compared to Lebanon’s eight, according to RNZ reporting. Wingers Sione Katoa and Jojo Fifita each scored two tries, while Lehi Hopoate, Tolu Koula, and Leka Halasima also crossed the line.

Tongan captain Jason Taumalolo highlighted the atmosphere created by supporters at the venue. Playing Lebanon was a taste of what’s to come, Taumalolo said, as reported by 1News. The support of the Tongan fans never ceases to amaze me; the atmosphere they provide is second to none. Taumalolo added: To both Lebanese and Tongan fans tonight, despite the results, it’s great to see two countries who love where they come from and what they are about come out here and celebrate tonight in rugby league.

Fox Sports noted that Tonga secured the victory without several key players, including star halfback Isaiya Katoa, Talatau Amone, Robert Toia, and Tyson Frizell. Tolu Koula scored a 90-metre intercept try after catching a Jason Saab bat-back to extend the lead.

Lebanon coach Michael Cheika acknowledged the physical toll on his squad during the match. I don’t want to be a gallant loser but at the end of the day, that’s what we are, Cheika said, according to 1News coverage. I didn’t want it to finish with that scoreline, I thought we merited better, but fatigue played as a factor at the end. Cheika also stated: I’m super proud of the boys. I don’t say that lightly. Some of them are part-time footballers and they handled those conditions pretty well across the board.

How Did Tonga Overcome Their Errors Against Lebanon?

Tonga capitalized on limited early scoring opportunities while managing 16 errors throughout the fixture, according to RNZ data. Winger Sione Katoa opened the scoring in the 13th minute off a cut-out pass from fullback Lehi Hopoate, followed eight minutes later by a try from Alamoti. Tuimoala Lolohea added goals and a flat pass to substitute Leka Halasima in the 70th minute to push the lead to 24-0 before the final flurry of tries. Tonga made nine line-breaks against Lebanon’s one, while possession was almost equally shared.

What Did Lebanon’s Coach and Captain Say About the Match?

Lebanon coach Michael Cheika praised his players, noting that several squad members are part-time footballers who handled the tournament conditions well. Lebanon captain Alex Twal also expressed pride in his players after their match against Tonga.

When Do Tonga and Samoa Play Next?

Tonga faces Toa Samoa at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on Sunday, October 25, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 8:05 pm AEDT, according to TechRadar and 1News. Samoa travels to the match following a fixture against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby, while Lebanon concludes its tournament campaign against France on the same Sunday afternoon.

Jason Taumalolo

How to Watch the Rugby League World Cup

Every game of the Rugby League World Cup 2026 is broadcast live on free-to-air Seven Network and the 7Plus streaming service in Australia, requiring only an account with a valid Australian postcode such as 2042. UK-based fans can watch the action on Premier Sports 2, with rolling monthly subscriptions costing £18.99 or £150 for an upfront annual pass. In the United States, Premier Sports shows all 18 matches of the men’s tournament with a full tournament pass available for $25. The Tonga versus Lebanon fixture kicked off at 8:05 pm AEDT local time in Parramatta, Australia, corresponding to 2:05 am PT, 5:05 am ET in the US, and 10:05 am BST in the UK.

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