Transcript
Kristian Woolf has been vocal about the need to play regular matches against tier one nations, off the back of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, where the kingdom stunned New Zealand in pool play and pushed England to the wire in the semi finals.
He says the chance to play world champions Australia for the first time is just reward for his players who have sacrificed a lot.
"It's going to be a real challenge for us, obviously. They're a terrific footy team, they're the best in the world and they're the benchmark. They've got a couple of games leading into it which we're not going to get but at the end of the day we've made it clear that we want this opportunity so it's up to us to go out there and back it up and perform."
New Zealand Rugby League initially objected to the Australia-Tonga game being played in their backyard, fearing it could overshadow the Kiwis' clash against the same opponents at the same venue a week earlier, however, following talks with the NRL, an agreement was reached.
"Obviously they had a stance that it wasn't something they wanted to happen but it's terrific from them to look a little bit broader and make the occasion happen and we're looking forward to a really good relationship with them going forward as well with some great opportunities."
That includes a much anticipated rematch against the Kiwis next year.
Manu Vatuvei played 29 tests for New Zealand before turning out for Mate Ma'a Tonga in 2017.
He says the rise of Tongan Rugby League comes back to the decisions made by a host of elite players, who had previously represented Australia and New Zealand.
"I reckon it wouldn't have happened if the guys like Andrew Fifita, Jason Taumalolo, Michael Jennings and David Fusitu'a hadn't sacrificed letting go of that jersey and coming back for the country. I think that was a massive boost for them and then the young generation seeing them do that they will be wanting to do that to."
Kristian Woolf says a regular diet of top level test matches gives them a platform to build from.
"It means if you're going to be a Tongan player and commit to Tonga that you actually know you've got meaningful games and some real challenges and something to commit to. If we're going to continue to grow the international game then that's exactly what not only we need but teams like Samoa and Fiji and PNG, who are at the forefront of the Pacific growth at the moment, we all need opportunities to play first and foremost and that's how you create other opportunities, in terms of financially being able to look after it and that kind of thing as well."
New Zealand Rugby League boss Greg Peters says Tonga have earned their place at the top table.
"They have made a statement in international rugby league, over the last couple of years and particularly at the World Cup last year, that they're in the mix with the top countries in the world and they deserve to have regular fixtures against the top countries in the world."
Players from Tonga and Australia will also receive the same fee for playing in next month's historic test, after the Kangaroos team agreed to take a one-off pay cut.
