Tonga coach Kristian Woolf has called for there to be more focus placed on international rugby league, with the idea of Tonga playing Samoa and vice versa in their home nations particularly appealing.
“I’d love at some stage to take Tonga back to Tonga and play Samoa there- I think that would be outstanding,” he said.
Woolf detailed how the international game needs to be given greater attention on the back of the Rugby League World Cup.
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However, since being beaten by Samoa in their quarter final last weekend there are now no current plans in place for Tonga’s next match.
“It’s frustrating,” he said. “I’ve been involved now for nine years and it’s never been anything different.
“We’re not quite sure what’s next. I know there are some plans for international footy next year and things like that. Where we sit, we’re not quite sure yet but the future is bright and we’ll have stronger teams moving forward.”
The uncertainty surrounding the structure and schedule of international footy is a concern for the incoming Dolphins assistant coach with Woolf stating that every nation needed to be given equal opportunities alongside the usual powerhouse nations.
“I certainly hope that going forward we can have a suitable international calendar that involves all the teams and gives teams like Tonga just as much opportunity as Australia, New Zealand and England,” he said.
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This was a sentiment shared by Lebanon coach Michael Cheika, with the 55-year-old stating how the success of the World Cup in England needed to be used as a driving force behind expanding the game.
“I think there’s a huge opportunity for league internationally to grow,” Cheika said.
“It’s got everything you want in a sport from a spectator point of view and you’re making heroes for kids across Greece, Jamaica or Scotland.
“I know there’s been talks about the scores but you’ve got to stay on with things… it’s an essential part of developing the game internationally.”
Woolf noted how a regular match between Tonga and Samoa would be an incredible spectacle, especially if the games were hosted in their home nations.
“I’m sure Samoa would like us to go to Samoa as well at some stage so that’s certainly something we need to look at,” he said.
