Kristian Woolf would like to stay on as Tonga boss

Drew Darbyshire

New St Helens boss Kristian Woolf would like to remain head coach of the Tonga national side. 

Woolf has helped transform international rugby league with Tonga over the last couple of years, with them reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2017.

And the Mate Ma’a have continued their remarkable rise, having defeated Great Britain and Australia this autumn.

Woolf said: “I’ve had numerous conversations with Mike [Rush, St Helens chief executive] about that and there are numerous opportunities to stay involved with Tonga.

“The first thing is though is making sure I settle in to what I’m doing here with St Helens and make sure that Tonga doesn’t interfere with anything I do here.

“There’s an expectation to perform at a certain level and any involvement with Tonga can’t interfere with that.

“The test in June is certainly something we need to look at but internationals do not interfere with clubland at the end of the year, so it is something I want to remain involved with.”


More on site

Wayne Bennett is not the right man for Great Britain and England, insists Phil Clarke

Manly Sea Eagles secure services of third Trbojevic brother

Sam Hallas delighted to be appointed Bradford vice-captain

Four representative stars commit to Melbourne Storm

French clubs keen to return to Challenge Cup