Rugby League World Cup: England prop James Graham believes Tonga shouldn't be referred to as a 'tier-two team'

England prop James Graham doesn't believe Tonga should be referred to a 'tier-two' team ahead of their Rugby League World Cup semi-final showdown in Auckland.

Tonga have been the team on everybody's lips after a number of players opted to represent the island nation over the likes of New Zealand and Australia.

As a result, Tonga are now 80 minutes away from the grand final in Brisbane - all that stands in their way is the English.

During pool play, Tonga became the first tier-two team to trump a tier-one nation (Australia, New Zealand, England) when they beat the Kiwis 28-22 after trailing 16-2 at the break.

But speaking to the media, the Dragons-bound Graham said it is not fair to refer to them as a tier two nation after their success in the tournament.

"I wouldn't be referring to them as a tier-two team," Graham told reporters

"I am expecting the best Tonga team possible for them to play their best rugby league, better than the performance you saw against the Kiwis.

"That is what we are ready for and that is the way we have to approach this Test match." 

England have not been in a Rugby League World Cup final since 1995, and are hopeful of being the side to play against Australia or Fiji on December 2.

But first, they have to get past the unbeaten Tongans - and despite heading into the match as favourites, Graham knows Mate Ma'a Tonga will be no pushovers.  

Jason Taumalolo on the charge for Tonga.
Jason Taumalolo on the charge for Tonga. Photo credit: Photosport

"It is going to be huge Test on the body physically, but my excitement levels are on the up.

"Only a few days out from a World Cup semi-final and the opportunity to go to Brisbane and playoff for the trophy is really exciting.

"It is always a big game when you play these kind of teams, Tonga and Samoa, in New Zealand and Australia.

"Every game, I have been a part of trying to stick with the philosophy that it takes 80 minutes, sometimes 90 minutes to win a game of rugby league but only a moment to lose it - so I think what I can presume will be a tight game, I think that is the best way of going about it, really."

England have not been in New Zealand for long, having played the all their games so far in Australia.

Graham admitted he was surprised to see all the Tongan flags on vehicles in Auckland, and is expecting a massive sea of red at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday evening.

"We have only been in Auckland for a day and we can see how many Tongan flags are out in the cars and stuff.

"Our English supporters have been out in great numbers and very vocal for us which is great to see.

"It really feels like we are in a World Cup, and that atmosphere will help build no doubt a great occasion for rugby league, going forward." 

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