Transcript
Cheered on by more than 25,000 singing fans, the Tonga Invitational XIII inflicted the Kangaroos' first loss to a Tier 2 side and continued their historic run of wins after beating Great Britain last week in Hamilton.
The Tongans' coach, Kristian Woolf, says some of his players rated it higher than an NRL Premiership Grand Final.
Woolf says it's a unique achievement.
"The reason it probably feels like it's above a grand final is because you only ever get to do that once. What these blokes have achieved in terms of being the first tier 2 nation to not just beat the other two tier 1's, but to knock the best in the world - you only ever get to do that once and that leaves a real legacy for Tonga Rugby League, and the bloke beside me [Jason Taumalolo] is right at the forefront of that."
Centre Konrad Hurrell is one of many who say the win marks the pinnacle of their career.
Hurrell paid tribute to the Tongan community for their unwavering love and support.
"We don't have much, but we have so much love and I guess that's what our people have, and that's why we're grateful. That's what we play for is our family, our little country, and you know they don't have much but they still turn up.
"The love that our people give to us is unforgettable and that's why we're here and that's why we dig deep in there and go for the win for them."
Former Kangaroo Andrew Fifita, along with former Kiwis superstar Jason Taumalolo, led a group of high profile players to pledge their allegiance to Tonga before the 2017 World Cup, an event which saw the team reach unprecedented levels of success and support, including a debut victory over New Zealand.
Fifita also gave up an Origin jersey when he made the decision to represent Tonga and following Saturday night's history-making win, he says he has no regrets.
"I cropped a lot of criticism over the years, and especially before that World Cup when I made the decision [to play for Tonga] but in saying that, look tonight was well worth it. Australia is home for me and I call that home and to beat the World Champs for our little island and to represent my dad and that, it's just unbelievable."
Despite the win, it was Australia that ended the six team Oceania Cup tournament with the trophy after coming out on top with superior points differential.
The Tonga-Australia game was part of an international triple-header which also saw Fiji thrash Samoa 44-18 and New Zealand beat Great Britain 12-8.
