Tonga have survived a thrilling start to their Rugby League World Cup campaign with a last minute win over Papua New Guinea in St Helens.

The 2017 semifinalists and favourites in Group D scored the match-winning try through Keaon Koloamatangi in the 79th minute to claim a 24-18 victory.

The Kumuls fought back from 18-6 down at the break to make it 18-18 with 10 minutes to play.

Tonga missed a late penalty attempt before scrambling on last tackle in the 79th minute, missing the chance to set up for a field goal attempt and spreading the ball wide through several hands before Koloamatangi broke into space and scored.