“This group can do anything”
By Sione Puloka
Sydney, Australia — November 2nd, 2026
Tonga head coach Kristian Woolf believes his side has significant room for improvement despite securing a hard-fought 20–18 victory over Samoa at CommBank Stadium on Sunday night, setting up a Rugby League World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.
Speaking after the match, Woolf praised his team’s defensive effort but maintained Tonga had been the stronger side throughout the contest.
“I certainly felt like we were the better team,” Woolf said.
“I thought we left four opportunities out there in the first half. We left a couple out there in the second half as well.”
Despite the narrow scoreline, Woolf was encouraged by Tonga’s resilience under pressure, particularly their ability to defend crucial attacking plays.
“I thought we defended terrifically,” he said, adding that improvements to their fifth-tackle execution would make Tonga a difficult side to beat.
One of the standout performers was young centre Robert Toia, whose explosive 45-metre try helped Tonga take control of the opening half. Toia also produced important defensive plays in a physical encounter.
Woolf praised the Sydney Roosters centre’s commitment, highlighting his decision to represent Tonga despite the opportunity to play for Australia.
“He’s a class player. There’s no doubt about that,” Woolf said.
“He’s made a lot of sacrifices to be with us. You know, people can overlook that really quickly.”
Woolf said Toia’s impact in both attack and defence justified the decision to rest him in Tonga’s previous match against Lebanon.
“I thought he came up with some really big plays there both attack-wise and defence-wise tonight.”
Tongan Forward Addin Fonua-Blake, who scored Tonga’s decisive try, credited his teammates for their defensive persistence and acknowledged the thousands of supporters who turned CommBank Stadium into a sea of red.
“I just want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, all the supporters,” Fonua-Blake said
He described the growing Tonga–Samoa rivalry as an important platform for Pacific players to represent their families and cultures on the international stage.
Tonga now face New Zealand at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday, 7 November, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
Woolf acknowledged the challenge posed by the Kiwis, who have been among the tournament’s strongest performers, including a commanding 78–0 victory over Fiji.
“They’ve probably been the most dominant team in the tournament so far,” Woolf said.
However, he remained confident in Tonga’s potential, pointing to the team’s development and improved defensive discipline throughout the tournament.
“This group can do anything,” he said.
“We’ve got plenty of improvement left in us. So, we keep improving, we keep heading on the right track. They can do anything.”
Tonga enter the semi-final unbeaten, with Woolf determined to turn their missed opportunities into points against a New Zealand side that will provide their toughest test yet.
