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.
“I don’t think I’ve made that official yet, have I,” Woolf grinned in Brisbane on Thursday.
“I can certainly say that it’s one of the proudest things that I’ve done in my life and, and one of the best things that I’ve done in terms of … life in general.
“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.”
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.
“They were a group that when you came into camp, you know, you just liked the feel about it,” Woolf said of his 2019 squad.
“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.
“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.”
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.
“I don’t think they’re vulnerable at all,” Woolf said.
“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.”
#Woolf #savours #Tongan #farewell #tour #vibes #return
