'Tough decisions': Mal Meninga hesitant to makes changes after grinding win over Tonga

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said he values continuity within the team when asked about changes after Australia's rusty 18-0 win over Tonga in The Pacific Championship.

It was a far from perfect performance from Australia, with Meninga fielding six rookies and a host of players that hadn't played in weeks.

The Aussies led 6-0 at half-time and put the match beyond reach in the final minute, while leading 14-0.

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Australia will play New Zealand next and qualify to the final with a win but Meninga was a bit hesitant about making too many changes, despite recognising other players may need some playing time.

Meninga was asked if he would rest hooker Harry Grant for the next game, after he came out of the match late.

Why?" Meninga scoffed, pointing to rest as the primary reason.

"Harry's the VC (vice-captain) and Yeo is the captain, so we've got some tough decisions to make."

While the side's attack needs to improve Meninga was impressed with the commitment shown in defence.

"We'll make some decisions over the next few days, but when we talk about the team and it's such a new team, and being together for the very first time, it would probably give us some serious consideration around playing again and have better continuity in our footy team."

Meninga conceded the players that missed out against Tonga deserve an opportunity.

"That's a possibility, but we'll see how everyone pulls up out of this game because I know that the guys who missed out have been training really well and been terrific around the camp.

"But we'll make those tough decisions at a later date."

Meninga acknowledged Australia looked disjointed in attack, with a lack of cohesion in the backline.

"Yeah, that's to be expected, I mean, Mitch (Moses) hasn't played for quite a while," Meninga said. "Tommy Trbojevic as well, so a lot of the players, except for the Grand Final teams, haven't played for at least three weeks.

"So I'm really happy considering the short preparation period too. We only really had two real serious sessions and the captain's run, so really pleased with our defensive effort in holding them to zero and the attitude's great."