Video: Tonga players in full voice after Rugby League World Cup win over Scotland

THE Tongans were in full voice as they celebrated their big World Cup win over Scotland — first in the sheds, and then again on the team bus.

THE drive from Cairns’ Barlow Park to their team hotel was just 10 minutes, but it took far less time for Tonga’s Rugby League World Cup squad to break into song.

Little over an hour since their 50-4 win over Scotland, Tonga headed back to the Shangri-La hotel in full spirit.

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The celebratory mood had started the moment the team returned to the dressing room after living up to expectations with a big first-up win that sent a warning to their World Cup rivals.

Coach Kristian Woolf gave his team the night to soak up their performance before focusing on Saturday’s clash with Pacific rivals Samoa in Hamilton.

“Let’s make sure we enjoy that win. I know it didn’t finish as well as we wanted it to, but let’s enjoy that win,” Woolf said after Tonga set up their victory with a 38-0 first-half rout of the Scots.

Back on the bus, with Woolf and his staff, including David Tangata-Toa, South Sydney assistant coach David Furner and former Penrith and Parramatta forward Lee Hopkins sitting up front, the players began singing.

A native Tongan tune, no less, as they embraced their heritage and the idea that bigger things may lie ahead in this tournament.

Starting with Samoa on Saturday.

Originally published as Video: Tonga players in full voice after Rugby League World Cup win over Scotland