Tonga, Fiji qualify for 2008 World Cup

Tonga and Fiji have both qualified for the 2008 rugby league World Cup after Tonga overcame Samoa 18-10 in the final match of the Oceania group at Headingley.

Tonga earned top spot in the group with Fiji claiming the second qualification spot to join Australia, New Zealand, England, France and Papua New Guinea in the 10-team tournament, to be held in Australia in two years' time.

Both teams were equal with Samoa on two wins in the four-team group, but Samoa ended in third and missed automatic qualification because of an inferior points difference. Samoa, though, can still win a reprieve and gain entry into the main draw in the repechage.