Kristian Woolf is savouring his final matches in charge of a Tongan team he admits has the same feel to the one that upset Australia in their previous meeting five years ago. The only difference is this squad might actually be better than the one that beat the Kangaroos in 2019. The sides will clash at Suncorp Stadium in Friday's Pacific Championship opener, Woolf on Thursday confirming the series would be his last in charge. Set to take the NRL head coaching reins at the Dolphins next year, Woolf will leave proud of an 11-year association that's featured Sika Manu and then Jason Taumalolo opting to play for them ahead of New Zealand. The latter's allegiance helped trigger an international rugby league movement that has levelled the playing field and invigorated the Test arena.
Tongan Pride: A Legacy of Excellence
Woolf expressed his pride in his role with Tonga, highlighting his impact on the lives of the players, particularly Jason Taumalolo. He mentioned, "I'm extremely proud of the man he's (Taumalolo) become. Watched him grow from that young, young bloke that at times was more interested (in having) his mates laughing at him. Talk about role models and people to look up to ... I don't see many better examples for young Tongan men." This sentiment underscores the importance of the Tongan national team beyond the game, shaping lives and inspiring young generations.
Strongest Squad Yet: A New Generation of Talent
The current Tongan squad is brimming with talent. Woolf believes it's the strongest team they've assembled in years, featuring established stars like Jason Taumalolo and newcomers like Paul Alamoti and Isaiya Katoa. He highlighted the team's spirit, stating, "They were a group that when you came into camp, you know, you just liked the feel about it. Everything felt good when you came into camp and they played that way. I'm not saying that this group are gonna go out and do the same things. I'm not making any sort of statements, but this group's certainly got a similar feel. We've got the strongest side that we've probably put out there for a number of years."
Embracing Tongan Culture
Woolf emphasized the strong cultural identity of the team, noting that even players who haven't grown up in Tonga have embraced its traditions. He stated, "Guys like Paul ... come into camp and know the Sipi Tau, national anthem, the hymns and haven't had to grow up in Tonga for that to be important to them. They've grown up watching Jason and those sorts of guys, wanting to do what they're doing." This signifies a powerful sense of belonging and unity within the team, transcending geographic boundaries.
Facing the Kangaroos: A Test of Mettle
Despite the Kangaroos being ranked No.1 in the world and coming off a 30-0 loss to New Zealand, Woolf remains confident in his team's abilities. He acknowledges the challenge, saying, "I don't think they're vulnerable at all. They're no weaker or, or no different to any other Australian side I've ever looked at, they're going be a real challenge. They're the pinnacle and we're going to treat them with a lot of respect." This highlights Woolf's respect for his opponents while maintaining a belief in his team's capability to compete at the highest level.
A Farewell Marked by Achievement
Woolf's tenure with Tonga has been marked by success, particularly the historic upset of Australia in 2019. He departs leaving a legacy of building a strong and competitive team, fostering a strong cultural identity, and leaving a lasting impact on the players. As he steps into his new role with the Dolphins, he carries with him the pride and experience of leading Tonga to new heights.
