Mate Ma'a Tonga have held on for a hard-fought victory in their Rugby League World Cup opener, staving off a gallant Papua New Guinea outfit on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
Penrith have held off a spirited Sydney Roosters to win 26-18 on a wet night at BlueBet Stadium, almost certainly securing the Minor Premiership in the process.
A vocal crowd of rugby league fans has given the Kiwis and Mate Ma'a Tonga teams a warm welcome at a community event in Ōtāhuhu ahead of their highly anticipated match this weekend.