Papua New Guinea will play the Cook Islands next weekend for a spot in next year's rugby league Four Nations after a convincing 44-14 win over Tonga on Sunday.

The Kumuls, ranked sixth on the Rugby League International Federation rankings, were always in control of the eliminator, powering to a 20-4 lead by halftime before a 9,000 home crowd on a rock-hard Lloyd Robson Oval.

PNG will have to beat the Cook Islands to get a crack at Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain next year after the Cooks' 24-22 win over World Cup semi-finalists Fiji here on Saturday.

Gold Coast Titans flyer David Mead claimed a try double for the Kumuls, while Sheffield Eagles centre Menzie Yere scored a hattrick of tries in a man-of-the-match performance.

"That’s what we’re here for and now we’re one step closer," said PNG captain and Salford winger John Wilshere, who landed six goals from eight attempts.

"Today was a huge win for us but we know there is one more to go and that will be our focus."

PNG will again have home advantage in next Sunday's final against the Cook Islands, ranked 14.

AFP

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