International round-up: New Zealand are back, Fiji impress, Samoa power past Papua New Guinea

Drew Darbyshire 24 Jun 2019 10:18 AM

The mid-season international weekend saw all cultures come together for a fine spectacle of rugby league.

New Zealand look to be back to their old self as they eased past Tonga 34-14 at the Mt Smart Stadium.

Brandon Smith, Shaun Johnson (2), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jahrome Hughes and Joseph Manu scored for the Kiwis.

Fiji ran in 10 tries to thrash Lebanon 58-14 at Leichhardt Oval.

Tui Kamikamica, Suliasi Vunivalu (2), Maika Sivo (2), Viliame Kikau, Brandon Wakeham, Joe Lovodua and Jayson Bukuya (2) went over for the Bati.

Samoa were too strong for Papua New Guinea as they ran-out 24-6 winners at Leichhardt Oval.

Jarome Luai, Josh Aloiai, Junior Paulo and Chanel Harris-Tavita went over for Toa.

Cook Islands battered South Africa 66-6 in a World Cup qualifier at Ringrose Park, Wentworthville.

Paul Ulberg (3), Marata Niukore (2), Reuben Rennie (2), Troy Dargan, Moses Noovao-Mcgreal, John Puna, Vincent Rennie and Aaron Teroi scored for the Kukis. Tony Iro’s Kukis will now play the USA later this year for a place in the 2021 World Cup in England.

In Kingston’s international Test match, Jamaica edged past the United States 26-24.

Ryan Grant (2), Kenneth Walker, Adrian Thomas and Jenson Morris scored for the Reggae Warriors.

In State of Origin, New South Wales hammered Queensland 38-6 in Perth.

Tom Trbojevic (3), Tyson Frizell and Josh Addo-Carr (2) crossed the whitewash for the Blues.

2019 mid-season international round-up:

New Zealand 34-14 Tonga (23,624)

Fiji 58-14 Lebanon (8,408)

Samoa 24-6 Papua New Guinea (8,408)

Cook Islands 66-6 South Africa (2,621)

Jamaica 26-24 USA (Attendance not given)

Queensland 6-38 New South Wales (59,721)