Woolf said new eligibility rules that allow players to switch more easily between tier 1 and 2 countries would help ensure his Tongan team was the strongest it had ever been. The rules mean the likes of New Zealand Warriors centre Solomone Kata can play for Tonga in the tournament despite having played four tests for New Zealand in 2016.
Woolf said a number of big name NRL stars had expressed a desire to play for Tonga ahead of Australia and New Zealand.
“We are not just sitting here waiting for New Zealand and Australia to pick and then just picking from the rest. There are a lot of guys who have made themselves available for Tonga only. That is a massive step forward for us in terms of where we are going.”
The influx of Tongan talent into the NRL and under 20s competition meant the pool of players the coach had to pick from had grown hugely in recent years.
Experienced NRL players such as Tuimoala Lolohea, Kata, Konrad Hurrell and Manu Vatuvei could all end up playing for Tonga at the world cup.
“That experience of high level football that every squad member is going to have is going to allow us to be a lot more competitive, give us a chance of winning some games and causing some surprises.”
Woolf said he expected huge numbers of New Zealand based Tongans would get in behind the team for its matches against Samoa and New Zealand in Hamilton on November 4 and November 11.
“One thing Tongans do really well is support their own and we are going to put together a team they can be proud of.”
Steve Deane | @stevedeane2029
Smash Media
