Salford’s Manu Vatuvei and Tyrone McCarthy both featured in respective victories for their countries on matchday one of the Rugby League World Cup.
Vatuvei, who has previously won the tournament with New Zealand, was named at full-back for Tonga in a comfortable 50-4 victory over Scotland.
Micheal Jennings was the Man of the Match crossing for a hat-trick of tries alongside scores from Jason Taumalolo, Sika Manu, Daniel Tupou and Peni Terepo. Danny Addy got the Bravehearts on the scoresheet but Steve McCormack’s side couldn’t handle the powerful Tongans.
McCarthy came off the interchange bench in Ireland’s surprise win over Italy in Cairns on Sunday morning. Toronto winger Liam Kay scored twice out wide either side of a George King effort. Saints duo Kyle Amor and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook both crossed as well as Michael Morgan in the second half.
Justin Castellaro scored a 70-metre interception try for the Italians before Nathan Milone went over but the Azzurri couldn’t stir a comeback.
Ireland travel to Port Moresby to face a Papua New Guinea side full of confidence following their hammering of Wales while Italy face the USA.
