Wild scenes erupted in Altona on Monday after Tonga created Rugby League World Cup history with a 28-22 victory over New Zealand on Saturday.
Fans took to the Esplanade, tooting horns with red and white flags aloft, among them Toakase Kalu.
“They’ve never won against New Zealand,” she said.
“In ’95, they almost beat New Zealand, however, they [New Zealand] won by drop kick.
“That’s why we’re ecstatic and we’re just going crazy and so overwhelmed.”
She said Sunday had been “a church day” so the community decided to celebrate on Monday.
Police redirected traffic as festivities continued into the night.
Mate Ma’a Tonga plays Lebanon in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
