Rugby League World Cup: Tonga 24-18 Papua New Guinea

The Rugby League World Cup got off to a great start with a thrilling 24-18 win by the Tongans.

Two quickfire tries before the half-time break helped the team recover from a poor start.

The country scored two tries in the second half.

A try from Keaon Koloamatangi just three minutes from the end gave Tonga the win.

The Rhinos forward burst through from close range to open the scoring.

Will Penisini scored the first try of the game on 15 minutes after a kick return by full-back Toluta'u Koula.

In the 35th minute, an inside ball by Koloamatangi sent Moeaki Fotuaika over, and moments later, a break by Suli resulted in the second goal for the visitors.

There was a try in the first minute of the second half by Lachlan Lam, who was aLeigh Centurions teammate.

• Fixtures, results and BBC coverage times

The video referee denied a Rodrick Tai try in the corner but the Kumuls drew level after Daniel Russell stepped in to score.

Led by coach Woolf, who guided Saints to victory in the last three Super League Grand Finals before opting to join the Dolphins, the team managed to keep a move going on the last tackle before captain and prop Sio Taukeiaho kicked through.

The Cook Islands and Wales will play their first games on Wednesday.

Koula, Tupou, Penisini, Suli, S Katoa, I Katoa and Lolohea are all from Tonga.

Fotuaika, Fifita, and Tala Kai have been added to the roster.

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Yei, Appo, and Appo were added to the team.