Powerful moment as Australian and Fiji players join together in prayer at Rugby League World Cup

Australia sent a fierce warning to competitors in their first pool game, thrashing Fiji 42-8 – but a touching moment post match took the limelight, where the Kangaroos joined their on-field rivals in prayer and hymn.

Mal Meninga’s men scored seven tries in a one-sided outing and showed their respect for the Fijian outfit, performing a cultural hymn just after the final whistle, which became a match highlight in itself. 

World Cup vision first pictures Panthers teammates Api Koroisau, Villiame Kikau and Nathan Cleary in each other’s arms, but as the footage pans, it fixes on the warm embrace of Josh Addo-Carr and wrecking ball Tui Kamikamica. 

The two are passionately belting out the ‘Noqu Masu’, while debutants Harry Grant and Murray Tuilagi are also seen in the huddle.

Fans were overwhelmed by the powerful moment, taking to Twitter to comment on the solidarity of sport.

‘This sport is magical,’ one fan tweeted.

‘What a moment. I love this game,’ another spectator wrote. 

Josh Addo-Carr celebrates with Kangaroo ears after scoring his second try of the game against Fiji

Addo-Carr bolted in for two stunning tries, one a full-field effort in a cracking show of speed, outgunning the entire opposition backline.  

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Souths star Latrell Mitchell also crossed the white line, marking his maiden appearance four-pointer for Australia.  

While Fiji lost, they became the first team since 2013 to score more than six points against Australia in a World Cup clash. 

In a scary sign for competitors, the Kangaroos managed to pile on 42 points while only completing 70% of their sets. 

Cameron Munster makes a break during the Kangaroos group B match against Fiji at Headingley Stadium

Free-running no.6 Cameron Munster was named man of the match, starring with two try assists.

‘We knew Fiji were gonna come out hard tonight, after their hymn they get very passionate first 15 minutes we had to ride the wave and we were lucky enough to win tonight,’ Munster told BBC Sport. 

‘Fiji are a really good side, they have got raw talent all over the pitch so it didn’t surprise me when they scored. Hopefully they go well this tournament.’

The Fijian rugby league side blast out an angelic ‘Noqu Masu’ during their Pacific test against PNG, June 25

Earlier this year in the NRL’s Pacific Tests, Fiji performed an emotional hymn before kickoff against Papua New Guinea which was heard stadium-wide as the playing group belted out ‘Hallelujah’.

Many fans were blown away by the angelic harmony and tones of the Fijian side, in what was a great display of culture during the special fixtures.