Wests Tigers players ended their World Cup campaigns on the weekend with Fiji and Tonga both recording defeats in their respective semifinals.
After an impressive World Cup so far, Fiji captain Kevin Naiqama and Taane Milne were unable to stop the Kangaroos juggernaut in Brisbane, while Tuimoala Lolohea sparked a Tonga comeback that fell just short against England in dramatic circumstances in Auckland.
Mahe Fonua (Tonga) was an unused reserve in Tonga's defeat as well.
KEVIN NAIQAMA (Fiji)
On a tough night for the Bati, Naiqama was one of the bright sparks in attack — breaking the Kangaroos' left edge open with a linebreak before passing to Suliasi Vunivalu for the try-assist. The fullback also made four cover tackles in defence, while running for 145 metres off his 16 carries, which was more carries than any other player in the game.
Always, #FijiProud. 🇫🇯@kevinnaiqama#RLWC2017 pic.twitter.com/1XZvOJxgDq
— Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) November 26, 2017
TAANE MILNE (Fiji)
Milne and Fiji's right edge was made to do a mountain of defence by a clinical Kangaroos attack, chalking up 22 tackles at an 85 percent success rate. The centre also did his best in attack, with an offload and two tackle breaks, while also adding 72 metres from seven runs.
TUI LOLOHEA (Tonga)
Seemingly down and out against England, Tui Lolohea sparked a thrilling comeback for Tonga with a try, a linebreak, a linebreak assist, an offload and four tackles breaks in the second half. As well as making 12 of his 13 tackles, Lolohea also ran for an impressive 119 metres from seven carries, but it wasn't enough for Kristian Woolf's side as England hung on to win.
A brilliant #RLWC2017 from Tui Lolohea and Mahe Fonua with @tongaNRL! 🇹🇴
— Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) November 25, 2017
Hold your heads extremely high.
Rest up, and see you for pre-season! 💪 pic.twitter.com/G8qE0stW1k
Grab your Wests Tigers Membership today and join us #OnTheBus in season 2018!
