29 October 2023 , 23:12
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England's John Bateman said “bitter” Tonga failed to turn up when it mattered most, allowing his fired-up side the last laugh.
Victorious boss Shaun Wane launched a fiery tirade at the tourists for bad-mouthing his team following their first Test win. He admitted that helped form his team-talk for this second clash which embattled England also won to clearly prove there'd been no fluke.
They charge into Saturday’s final showdown at Headingley seeking a 3-0 rout and second-row Batemen says tormented Tonga have it coming. The ex-Wigan star, who now plays for Wests Tigers so faces most of Tonga’s stars in the NRL, insisted: “They disrespected us.
“After that first Test, they said they needed fast weather and it was slow rucks (that led to defeat). But at the end of the day it’s a game of rugby isn’t it? Don’t be bitter. Just get on with it and turn up the week after. Which I don’t think they did. It’s good to get two nil on them.
“I don’t know if they were trying to get a reaction out of us. I suppose they did. Look at the score. I think it’s worked better for us and not them. We’ll enjoy a beer now and the next job is three nilling them. Whitewashing them. That’s what it’s about.”
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Tonga got the fast pitch they wanted in Huddersfield but it didn’t help them in the slightest. And even though boss Kristian Woolf admitted the ruck speed was “fairer” compared to the St Helens opener, they still didn’t have any answers to England’s power and pace in a 14-4 defeat.
Coming in for injured Tommy Makinson, Warrington winger Matty Ashton got his first two international tries in only his second Test to see Wane’s side 12-0 up at the break. Wigan’s Harry Smith slotted his second penalty early in the second half before Tonga did reply via Tolutua Koula’s try.
But with proud Wane having them so revved up, there was no chance of the hosts capitulating. Gnarled Yorkshireman Bateman, 30, led the way with an all-action display, bashing Tongans in defence and ripping into them in attack.
The ex-Canberra ace admitted: “I feel like I’m starting to find my legs. It’s been a really tough year over in Australia. I’ve had a couple of niggling injuries but coming back over here, I’ve had a little time off with the family and I feel good. I’m looking forward to going again next week. I’m loving it.
“It’s always good to be back playing in front of family and England fans. I’ve said it multiple times but, for me, it is the pinnacle of your career playing for your country. I think 2017 was probably the closest England team I’ve ever been involved in. But this team now has probably topped that. The tightness is great. Everyone is turning up for each other. And are willing to fight for each other.”
Wane will welcome back George Williams in Leeds after the captain missed the first two Tests through suspension. That means Smith or Hull KR livewire Mikey Lewis will get the chop, although both half-backs have impressed at times this series.
Lewis was man-of-the-match on debut in the first Test while Smith was the architect of most of England’s best play at the weekend, with monster prop Mike McMeeken leading the way up front. Bateman, who played with Warrington star Williams at Wigan and Canberra, admitted: “He’s itching. It was stupid getting banned but it is what it is and he comes back in.
“All the best to Waney picking him and seeing where he plays! But he plays no matter what. He’s one of the best in the world for me.”