Tonga have edged past a resilient Cook Islands side in their Rugby League World Cup encounter this evening with a 22-16 victory at the Leigh Sports Village.

Tonga opened the scoring early on as Glen Fisiiahi rushed between the posts for an easy try following a good pass from Siki Manu.

The visitors hit back straight away when Christopher Taripo took a long cross-field kick from Isaac John to bring the Cook Islands back into the game.

The Islands then took a surprise lead in the first half as Taripo scored his second try having gone down in the left-hand corner.

It didn't last too long, though, as Jason Taumalolo powered over the line in the right-hand corner, before Konrad Hurrell added more points as Tonga cut through with ease.

The Islands were not done yet as Taripo grabbed his hat-trick after the break to bring the scores closer.

However, Jorge Taufua struck for Tonga to put them five ahead with the clock ticking towards the final whistle.