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.
Tonga's Rise In International Rugby League
Woolf says he doesn't think he's made his departure official yet, but says that coaching Tonga is one of the proudest things that he's done in his life. He's extremely proud of the man Jason Taumalolo has become, saying he watched him grow from a young bloke to a role model for Tongan men.
## Tonga Has A Stronger Side Than Ever
Taumalolo remains a force five years on from their Auckland upset but the side now boasts a host of forward pack threats, alongside premiership-winning back Paul Alamoti and Dolphins playmaker Isaiya Katoa.
Woolf says he's not saying that this group is going to go out and do the same things as the 2019 team, but says that this group has a similar feel. He thinks they have the strongest side that they've probably put out there for a number of years.
Woolf added that players like Paul Alamoti know the Sipi Tau, the national anthem, and the hymns even though they haven't grown up in Tonga. They've grown up watching Jason Taumalolo and those sorts of guys and want to do what they're doing.
## The Kangaroos Are Still A Challenge
The Kangaroos are ranked No.1 in the world but are coming off a record 30-0 spanking from New Zealand last November. Australian coach Mal Meninga has named six debutants, including a fresh halves pair of Mitch Moses and Tom Dearden, in response.
Woolf says he doesn't think the Kangaroos are vulnerable at all. He says they are no weaker or no different to any other Australian side he's ever looked at and they're going to be a real challenge. He says they are the pinnacle and Tonga is going to treat them with a lot of respect.
## The Future Of Tonga Rugby League
While Woolf might be moving on, Tonga looks to be in a strong position. They have a strong group of players and have a strong cultural identity that unites them. They have a lot of momentum heading into this series and will be looking to continue their rise in international rugby league. With the talent they have on the field, Tonga will likely continue to challenge for the top spot in the international rankings. It's not only the current players that will be looked at, but the young boys growing up in Tonga, who are seeing these players take the field and inspiring them to follow in their footsteps.
