St Helens want to help put smiles back on the faces of people in Tonga

Kristian Woolf says St Helens just want to help put smiles back on the faces of the people in Tonga as they prepare to raise more support for the island.

The reigning Super League champions have launched a kind initiative which will see training kit and sports equipment sent to Tonga following the Pacific island’s devastating tsunami in January.

Saints are encouraging fans to either donate old replica playing shirts, old balls and any other sports equipment or clothing as they prepare to ship items over to Tonga which has suffered catastrophic damage.

St Helens will also wear special warm-up tops ahead of their clash with Warrington on Friday. They will wear a Tongan flag on their jerseys for the match. The club will also have plenty more Tongan-themed activity going on at The Totally Wicked Stadium.

Woolf said: “It was important for us with our connections and I’m really proud that we are able to do that.

“I think its a really good way for us to demonstrate our support. With the devastation there, we were trying to think of ways that we can contribute the best we can. It is about putting a smile on faces back there and to do that was to give back with sport. Sport is a big part of Tonga as it is in a lot of places.

“The reaction has been really good. People who we run into have made it clear that they want to donate. I know that there has been a good number of people turn up and make drop offs and donations.

“All our players have gotten behind it and have been really pro-active in bringing in gear to donate. I’ve been really happy with the support and I’m sure that’s going to continue into the game and after it as well.”

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St Helens have a strong Tongan connection. The Super League giants have three Tonga internationals in Konrad Hurrell, Will Hopoate and Agnatius Paasi. Woolf is also the head coach of the Tongan national team.

The town of St Helens will also host Woolf’s Tonga team at this autumn’s World Cup.

Woolf continued: “It is so important we try and put smiles on the faces of the people back in Tonga.

“There is a real bond there and I think the people of St Helens have really taken to our Tongan players.

“I think our Tongan players bring something a little bit different – both in how they play and how they engage with fans and carry themselves off the field.

“Tongan people in general are terrific people – hardworking, humble, working-class and they’ve got a great sense of humour. We see all of that in our players and that’s why I think the people of St Helens are drawn to the Tongan players here and why they will be drawn in to the Tonga team at the end of the year. The Tongan players will be drawn to the St Helens people as well.

“I think it is a really good connection.”

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