Great Britain player ratings: Coote and Hardaker struggle as Tonga dominate in Hamilton

Lachlan Coote – 4
Took a few huge hits early on and was unable to take the ball for Tonga’s opening try. Poor kicking game and non-existent with ball in hand. Not his best game.

Jermaine McGillvary – 7
GB’s best player, particularly when returning the ball. Was on the end of some tough calls but can be proud of his effort and display.

Zak Hardaker – 4
His surprising inclusion in the centres didn’t pay off. Put in some good tackles but not really much else.

Oliver Gildart – 5
Too much lateral running. Tried to create something in attack however his game was cut short on the hour with a shoulder injury.

Ryan Hall – 4
Not played much this season and looked very sluggish. Took a few decent high balls but Tonga never looked worried by the bulky winger.

Gareth Widdop – 6
Limited opportunities to attack in the first half and maybe should have taken control for Tonga’s opening try. Made a huge try saver on Jennings and his short kicking game was decent.

Jackson Hastings – 5
Much the same as Widdop with limited opportunities in attack. When GB did spend time on Tonga’s line in the second half we didn’t see much of the Man of Steel.

Chris Hill – 4
Head clash with Graham left him weary in the first half. Returned early in the second but struggled to make a dent in the Tongan pack.

Josh Hodgson – 5
Playing off the back of a pack that was dominated. Took on a lot of the kicking duties but didn’t produce the quality he does for Canberra.

Luke Thompson – 5
Went off injured in the opening quarter of the game. His absence from Wayne Bennett’s pack became evident very quickly.

John Bateman – 7
One of the best players on the pitch as always. Switched to the centres after Gildart’s injury and scored the Lions only try.

Elliott Whitehead – 6
Lot of carries early on after he recovered from a knock. Never got the space on the edges but battled hard.

James Graham – 5
Captain Jammer never took a backwards step but his pack were outmuscled. A tough day at the office for the skipper.

Josh Jones – 4
Didn’t have the pace or power to worry Tonga. Very tough introduction into international rugby league.

Tom Burgess – 7
Was one of few who matched the physicality of Tonga. Made good yards and should be considered for a start against the Kiwis.

Jonny Lomax – 6
Added a spark off the bench in the second half. Threatened to break the line and should be given more minutes next time out.

Alex Walmsley – 7
Made a big impact off the bench in the first half when the Lions’ pack was struggling. Continued that in the second and can be proud of his GB debut.