League: Samoa rally to beat Tonga

Tony Puletua of Samoa celebrates his try. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Samoa survived an early Tongan onslaught to eventually run away with the passionately contested Pacific Island rugby league derby 22-6 at Parramatta Stadium today.

As usual, there was plenty of feeling and no shortage of big hits on display in the one-off test, which players and officials hope can become at least an annual event.

The two sides created an enthralling atmosphere when they faced off with their traditional hakas before the match, however with heavy rain falling all day in Sydney, the on-field rivalry didn't quite hit its peak as it did in 2008 when they met in the World Cup.

It wasn't until the final minutes of the first half that the penalty count started to swing in Samoa's favour and the favourites started to find some cohesion in the wet. But from there they proved an unstoppable force.

Penrith youngster Masada Iosefa inspired his troops when he put a big hit on Tongan winger Atelea Okati as he brought a kick back off his own line. When the ball came lose the Samoan hooker pounced to get his side back to 6-4 down after 34 minutes.

A penalty goal to Samoan general Ben Roberts squared the ledger at 6-6 on the stroke of halftime, before the men in blue continued their resurgence early in the second half.

Captain Tony Puletua burrowed over from dummy-half in the 49th minute and then 13 minutes later a George Carmont bust opened the way for fullback Quentin Laulu Togaga'e to score and stretch the lead to 18-6.

Former Newcastle Knight Carmont again showed his class on the left edge with 10 minutes remaining to cross in the corner and complete the procession.

It was Tonga who got off to the strong start, winning the penalty count and dominating field position.

Halfback Eddie Paea went within inches of scoring the opening try after nine minutes, with the video ref ruling he had come down short of the chalk.

But the Tongan side were rewarded in the 26th minute, drawing first blood through Newcastle forward Richard Fa'aoso.

- AAP