Mate Ma'a Tonga half Tui Lolohea has praised fans at last night's Rugby League World Cup match for the passion and pride they generated to give the game a lively atmosphere.
It comes after a turbulent build-up this week to the match, marred by videos of street violence between Tongan and Samoan fans.
But Lolohea said after his team's 32-18 win it shows how much both teams mean to their respective fans.
The Mate Ma'a Tonga half said he got goosebumps during the match. (Source: Other)
"I think any nation that gets support - that's all you can ask for.
With a few arrests made, police say overall they were pleased by the good crowds. (Source: Other)
"The way that our fans have been doing it - I know there's been a lot of stuff in the media about all that stuff but at the end of the day they're showing us some good support."
The West Tigers star said he was lost for words hearing Tongan fans singing throughout the match.
"There was one point during the game, we had scored a try and I was walking back and all the Tongans were singing and I was starting to get a bit emotional; I was starting to get goosebumps.
"It just shows how much support we get and the boys build off that and it gives them energy and that's a positive.
"The way they did it today is the way it should be done."
Police say 29 people were arrested last night in South Auckland during street celebrations after the match.
Twenty people were evicted from Waikato Stadium by police and security for intoxication or bringing in prohibited items.
However, Waikato police say the majority of the crowd was largely well behaved and caused few issues for police following the match.
"The boisterous and vocal crowd created a great atmosphere and there were few incidents of concern to police," says Waikato District RLWC Operations Commander Inspector Karen Henrikson.
SHARE ME