New Dragons recruit Fetuli Paea grabbed a first half try as Tonga stepped up preparations for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) with a 38-19 victory over the touring Queensland Reds.
Paea, who linked up with the Men of Gwent this summer, started the game at inside centre and scored on the stroke of half-time as Tonga opened a 19-7 lead up by the break. Tonga scored six tries in total at Teufaiva Sport Stadium in Nuku'alofa, Tonga.
The 'Ikale Tahi now face Samoa in the PNC opener at the same venue next Saturday (August 23) - which doubles up as a 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifier. Paea will hope to feature in the next fixture alongside fellow Dragons team-mate Fine Inisi who is also part of the Tonga squad.
TONGA 38
Tries: John Tapueluelu 2 (31min, 46), Ben Tameifuna (27), Fetuli Paea (40), Augustine Pulu (79), Lotu Inisi (64); Conversions: Patrick Pellegrini 4
QUEENSLAND REDS 19
Tries: Trevor King (8) Josh Canham (75), penalty try; Conversion: Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
