Australian coach Mal Meninga has responded to criticism leveled at the ‘disrespectful’ Kangaroos who lost a historic Test to Tonga on the weekend in Auckland 16-12.

Kangaroos legends Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler took aim at Australia with Fittler questioning whether some players were up to international level.

“I’m glad Freddy and Joey are emotional about it,” Meninga said.

“Maybe in the light of day they might not have said what they said. They got emotional. It’s good to see the green and gold is important to them.

“It’s an emotional comment. They are entitled to those comments. We are bitterly disappointed with the result but not with the effort – just the way we executed. We weren’t composed enough.

“The team is hurting.”