Daly Cherry-Evans admits the increased professionalism of minnow rugby league nations has closed the gap on the all-conquering Kangaroos.
The tectonic plates of the international game shifted on Saturday as Tonga stunned the world champions with an historic 16-12 win in Auckland.
It Australia's first loss to a second-tier nation and the first to a country other than New Zealand, England or Great Britain in 41 years.
"It's pretty hard to take at the moment. They played really well. I guess regardless of that it's just disappointing," Cherry-Evans said.
"Any time you walk off the field and the result doesn't go your way, it's deflating."
The defeat was also Australia's second in three Test matches, having also been beaten by New Zealand at Mt Smart Stadium last year.
Not since they lost to the Kiwis in back-to-back Tests between 2014-15 has the powerhouse nation dropped games in close succession.
"We're versing countries now where the professionalism is through the roof and there's minimum standards around the game," Cherry-Evans said.
"Second-tier nations are at a minimum standard where they have the support, the coaching staff, the medical; and even the playing group have those things around them to make them a top-tier nation."
Cherry-Evans said the emergence of Tonga is the perfect example.
"Given the opportunity to play the top sides and the coaching staff and playing group, they're there to take advantage of you now," he said.
"As an Australian side, you certainly want to win every single game.
"It's the No.1 sport in Australia, so we understand what comes with wearing the jersey. That's why it makes it a little bit harder to walk in here tonight and lose."
The Manly and Queensland State of Origin No.7 struggled to make an impact at Eden Park, finishing with seven metres from his one run to go with two errors.
Centre Latrell Mitchell also had a night to forget, making a game-high four errors in the second half despite making 101 metres and twice breaking Tonga's line.
Leading by six at halftime, Australia eventually lost by four.
"That second half, we turned over the ball far too much. Whether we were attacking their tryline or coming out, we just turned the ball over a lot," Cherry-Evans said.
"Good sides make you pay and I think we all know that Tonga is a good side and they did make us pay."
Australian Associated Press
