19 Oct 2019

Sport: Cook Islands tame Tongans at World Cup Nines

12:43 pm on 19 October 2019

The Cook Islands have caused an upset on the the opening day of Rugby League's World Cup Nines tournament, beating Tonga Invitational 30-7 yesterday in Sydney.

Kayal Iro celebrates after scoring. Tonga v Cook Islands. Day 1 of the Rugby League World Cup 9s, Bankwest Stadium, Sydney, Australia, 18th October 2019. Copyright Photo: David Neilson / www.photosport.nz

Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2019 www.photosport.nz

Kayal Iro, son of Kiwis great Kevin Iro, ran in two of the Cooks' six tries; the Tongans only cut the chalk once.

Earlier, the Papua New Guinea men's team defeated the USA, 27-10.

Junior Vavai scored the opening try for the US before the former Hunters players Watson Boas, Edene Gebbie and Stargroth Amean ran in three of PNG's six tries.

Meanwhile, Samoa were too good for Fiji, winning 32-17.

Brian To'o scored two of Samoa's six tries; Fiji ran in three.

Today in Sydney, Samoa take on the Cooks, Tonga meet Fiji and PNG face New Zealand.

Orchids make slow start

In the women's competition, the PNG Orchids were beaten by England, 25-4.

Ua Ravu scored the Orchids' only try as England notched five.

Today the Orchids have two matches against New Zealand and Australia.

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