League stars set to return for Tonga under new board

In the latest twist to the turmoil surrounding the Tongan national league team, Jason Taumalolo, Andrew Fifita and 25 other stars have declared their availability for Tonga in the World Cup 9s and end-of-season Tests against Great Britain and Australia under a new governing body.

The Rugby League International Federation board met last night and suspended the membership of the Tonga National Rugby League, which has been at loggerheads with the players after it sacked coach Kristian Woolf.

The RLIF will appoint an interim board in the coming days ahead of next month's World Cup 9s and tests against the touring Great Britain Lions in Hamilton on October 26 and Australia at Eden Park on November 2.

Announcing the decision, RLIF Chairman, Graeme Thompson, said: “The RLIF has received representations and concerns from the Office of the Prime Minister of Tonga, the Tongan Sports Council, the RFL, the ARLC, the RLPA on behalf of leading players and from concerned groups in the Kingdom of Tonga.

“In view of the considerable evidence that the interests of international rugby league were not being best served at this time, the RLIF Board voted unanimously that the TNRL’s membership be suspended with immediate effect while these matters are properly investigated."

The new board has the backing of both the Tongan players and the Tongan government to ensure Tonga can field a team, and Woolf will be approached to return as coach.

"We want the best Tongan team playing in the World Nines," NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said. "It is clear the current board does not have the support of its national government or its best players.

"We are working with the RLIF to recognise an alternate structure that provides an opportunity for Tonga to field its best team.

"We support Tonga's NRL players and want to see them representing their great rugby league nation."