On paper, Tonga v Lebanon was never going to be an even contest, and the scoreboard backed that up. Tonga beat Lebanon 36-0 at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta on Friday night, 23 October, scoring seven tries in front of a crowd of about 25,000 in round 2 of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
A 36-0 result does flatter how much work Tonga had to do early, though. Lebanon kicked well, scrambled hard in defence and kept the favourites honest for most of the first half.
Tonga had to earn it before half-time
Tonga struck first. Sione Katoa scored in the 13th minute off a pass from fullback Lehi Hopoate, and Paul Alamoti made it 10-0 in the 21st minute. After that, Lebanon’s kicking game began to cause problems, and Tonga needed some exceptional scramble defence to get through a demanding first 40 minutes.
Then came the moment that settled the night. Just before the break, Tolutau Koula gathered a kick and ran 90 metres to score, sending Tonga in at half-time leading 14-0.
Four more tries as the game opened up
Jojo Fifita added a fourth try in the 44th minute. The game then went quiet for a while, until the closing stretch. With 11 minutes to play, Leka Halasima scored after a set-up from Tui Lolohea. Fifita grabbed his second moments later, and Katoa completed his own double in the final minute.
Haumole Olakau’atu led the Sipi Tau before kick-off and was physical in attack and defence, while Lolohea and Hopoate were among Tonga’s best.
Lebanon had no points but plenty of fight
Lebanon finished scoreless, but they were not outplayed everywhere. Young halfback Alex Conti and lock Alex Twal impressed, and Lebanon’s scrambling defence stopped the margin from getting worse. Michael Cheika’s side showed real bravery, particularly with their kicking in the first half. They were also without the injured Adam Doueihi.
Lebanon’s next game is against France on Sunday 1 November, at Parramatta again, earlier in the day than Tonga’s.
What Tonga v Lebanon means for the semi-final race
Tonga are unbeaten after beating England in round 1, and the Tonga v Lebanon result leaves them in a strong position. Their next match is against Samoa on 1 November at Parramatta. That game is a sell-out, and Tonga lost to Samoa by 28 points in Brisbane last year, so there is some unfinished business.
A win over Samoa would take Tonga a big step closer to the semi-finals, which are on 7 and 8 November, with the final in Brisbane on 15 November. The result also makes England’s path to the knockout stage harder.
Related: Former Waratahs coach Michael Cheika back in sky blue for 2027 Super Rugby season
Sources: NRL.com, ABC News, Love Rugby League.
