Australia’s Men’s and Women’s Teams Secure Pacific Cup Double

Australia’s men’s and women’s teams both emerged victorious in the Pacific Cup, achieving a double win for the nation. Harry Grant and Keilee Joseph were seen celebrating these successes. The Kangaroos secured a 20-14 win against Tonga in the men’s final, a team that had previously defeated reigning champions New Zealand to qualify for the final. Concurrently, Australia’s women’s team triumphed over New Zealand with a score of 24-14. Tom Trbojevic, a fullback for the Manly Sea Eagles, scored two tries, contributing to the Kangaroos’ inaugural Pacific Cup title. At Sydney’s Parramatta Stadium, Tonga, supported by a large contingent of fans dressed in red, established an unexpected early advantage after Sione Katoa scored. However, Australia subsequently took control, building a 20-4 lead before their adversaries mounted a comeback. Haumole Olakau’atu narrowed the score difference following a grubber kick from Tuimoala Lolohea, and Eliesa Katoa further closed the gap to six points. Despite this, the host team maintained their lead. The win for Australia’s women’s team served as retribution for their 12-6 defeat against the Kiwi Ferns in the previous year’s final. The Jillaroos’ points were secured through tries from Julia Robinson, Isabelle Kelly, Tiana Penitani, Tamika Upton, and Tarryn Aiken. In other matches, New Zealand defeated Papua New Guinea 54-12 in a play-off game, ensuring their continued presence in the men’s top tier. Meanwhile, Samoa’s women’s team achieved a decisive 34-12 victory over Papua New Guinea, securing their promotion to the top flight.