Tonga rugby league coach Kristian Woolf believes he can better equip his team to face tier-one nations as games get locked in for next year's international calendar.
Daniel Tupou scores a try for Tonga, Tonga v Australia. International Rugby League test match. Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand. Photo: Photosport
The Mate Ma'a Tonga battled valiantly in a 34-16 defeat to world champions the Kangaroos in their historic Test match in Auckland on Saturday night.
Up next will be an anticipated re-match against New Zealand next June in what could be part of a tri-series involving another Test against Australia.
"There is a bit of conversation that we could get that opportunity again this time next year, that's certainly one we'd look forward to again," Woolf said.
"We'd be able to be better prepared and better for the occasion than tonight."
After an error-riddled first half cruelled any chance against Australia, Woolf claimed his team were disadvantaged by a lack of warm-up matches.
In comparison, a number of Kangaroos had featured in matches against Papua New Guinea and New Zealand over the past fortnight.
"At times it looked like a team of guys that hadn't played footy, and guys that had three games on the trot and yet to fine-tune some of those things," Woolf said.
"It was certainly the case in periods in the first half.
"It was a bit disappointing that we were able to have that and obviously that's something going forward that needs to be afforded to us."
Tonga could have at least three Tests next year, including a possible Test against the Kiwis during the NRL's representative weekend.
A solitary Australian flag in a sea of red. Photo: Photosport
Given how the Australia-Tonga game sold out Mt Smart Stadium, Woolf suggested the game could be staged at a bigger venue.
Eden Park holds a capacity of 50,000 seats.
"I don't know what organisation's been done for the New Zealand game yet. I think it's open to tender is my understanding," Woolf said.
"But I'd like to think that that's a real growth match, played over here.
"You're obviously going to get a lot of support from our fans, but you're also going to get a lot of support from New Zealand fans.
"I think that does go to a bigger venue, and certainly fill a bigger venue."
Woolf is adamant his team's second-half showing against the Kangaroos - it was one try each after halftime - proved they can match it with the tier-one nations.
"There's no doubt that we have," he said.
"We've played three; won one, lost one by two points, and, while at times tonight Australia were really dominant, we were dominant in other periods as well."
AAP