Fiji exit on a high note over Tonga

Fiji highlighted their SP Brewery Pacific Cup with a tough 26-16 win over Tonga in today’s third fourth playoff in Port Moresby.<br><br>Man of the match Jone Wesele led his teammates through some lively post-match celebrations of singing and dancing to the delight of a vocal Lloyd Robson Oval crowd.<br><br>On the field it was Wesele and Newcastle Knights winger Aku Uate who did the damage, with Uate crossing for two tries in a spectacular performance.<br><br>Fiji captain Wes Naiqama said it was important for his side to end the SP Brewery Pacific Cup tournament on a high. <br><br>“Obviously the boys were a bit down after last week but we got our heads around it and turned up and played well today, so it’s good to get a win,” Naiqama said. <br><br>“It’s been a great experience to come to PNG for this tournament and meet so many people here who are passionate about their rugby league. <br><br>“It’s a big thing to get this result for the players and for the people back home, and I was proud of the way that the boys dug in today.”<br><br>Tonga captain Feleti Mateo said his side had enjoyed the experience of the SP Brewery Pacific Cup.<br><br>“The people here have been so nice to us,” Mateo said.<br><br>“Having all the Pacific nations together and playing footy against each other is great for the game.<br><br>“At the same time we felt like we were able to give something back to the fans and people of PNG during the two weeks through our community visits.<br><br>“Going to the care homes and hospitals really opened our eyes and the school visits were a thrill for the boys because the kids get so excited.<br><br>“We didn’t get the results we wanted on the field but we’ve really enjoyed the tournament.”<br><br>The final of the SP Brewery Pacific Cup between PNG and Cook Islands will be played tomorrow at Lloyd Robson Oval.<br>