Tonga rugby league coach Kristian Woolf says a proposed revamp of the international calendar appears to be a step in the right direction for Pacific Island teams.
The proposal from the NRL includes a new Oceania Cup to be played next year between New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.
Two separate Four Nations tournaments will also be played in 2020, with Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Samoa in one and England, France, Fiji and Papua New Guinea in the other.
Kristian Woolf told Vinnie Wylie he was encouraged by last week's announcement, even though he only found out via the media.
Listen
Mate Ma'a Tonga Head Coach Kristian Woolf. Photo: PHOTOSPORT