Tonga have burst out of the blocks in Auckland and lead New Zealand 8-0 to leave the home crowd stunned.

The Tongas scored before the Kiwis even touched the ball when they put it through the hands and Sione Katoa crossed out wide in the fourth minute.

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MATCH PREVIEW

New Zealand host Tonga for a spot in the Pacific Championships final in a blockbuster clash at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.

For the Kiwis Leo Thompson returns from suspension with Jordan Riki making way in the only change for Stacey Jones.

Thompson will start at lock with Naufahu Whyte shifting to the bench. Tonga are 1-17.

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For Tonga, Roosters youngster Siua Wong added to the bench in place of Keaon Koloamatangi, who has left the squad to be with his partner for the birth of their child.

The clash between James Fisher-Harris and Addin Fonua-Blake promises to set the scene for an explosive contest.

Young gun fullbacks Keano Kini and Lehi Hopoate will battle it out in a mouth-watering contest.

And Shaun Johnson and Isaiya Katoa will be crucial to their side’s chances at halfback.

It sets the scene for an epic clash between the fierce rivals for the chance to take on the Kangaroos in the final next week.

TEAMS

New Zealand: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Peta Hiku 5. William Warbrick 6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Scott Sorensen 17. Leo Thompson 13. Naufahu Whyte 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Griffin Neame 16. Marata Niukore. 18th man: 18. Erin Clark

Tonga: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Moses Suli 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Sione Katoa 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Siliva Havili 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Soni Luke 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Taniela Paseka 17. Siua Wong. 18th man: 18. Tolutau Koula

The Panthers have booked a spot in their fifth-straight grand final but all eyes will be on Nathan Cleary after he looked to aggravate an existing shoulder injury in the final minutes.

Cleary produced a masterclass in the 26-6 win over the Sharks, setting up three tries, getting three linebreak assists and making just under 100 running metres.

But he was spotted clutching at his left shoulder late in the game and eventually came from the field with five minutes left on the clock.

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It was a tense start to the clash with scores locked up at 2-all until 22 minutes into the game when Cleary came up with some magic, kicking a 40/20 and then setting up Paul Alamoti for the first try of the game in the next set.

Fox League expert Corey Parker called the double play “absolute magic,” while commentator Dan Ginnane declared: “In the space of 60 seconds he’s changed the game.”

The Panthers extended their lead ahead of half time with another penalty goal after Siosifa Talakai was placed on report for a late shot on Jarome Luai.

It looked like Talakai, who was filling in for Jesse Ramien, was going to be given his marching orders but he was spared the sin-bin by referee Ashley Klein.

The Sharks needed to strike first in the second half and they did exactly that when Sione Katoa scored in the corner with a stunning put-down.

But their joy was shortlived as the Panthers responded with two tries in three minutes — both set up by Cleary.

A pinpoint cross-field kick set up Brian To’o before Alamoti crossed for his second off a ball from Cleary.

But Cleary’s night took a turn when he was spotted late in the game clutching at his left shoulder. He tried to play on but was eventually replaced in the final five minutes by Brad Schneider.

That didn’t halt the Panthers’ momentum though and they put an exclamation mark on the win when Liam Martin scored in the 76th minute.

The Panthers will take on the Storm next Sunday at Accor Stadium.

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TEAMS

PANTHERS: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth. 18th man: 18. Casey McLean

SHARKS: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 14. Siosifa Talakai 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Daniel Atkinson. 18th man: 20. Mawene Hiroti