Incoming Dolphins assistant coach Kristian Woolf has revealed that he is excited to be a founding member of the NRL’s newest club in 2023.
Woolf has led Super League St Helens to three consecutive titles in his three years at the helm. The 47-year-old also led Tonga to second in the international rugby league world rankings and were just two points away from the World Cup final in 2017.
Woolf said he is happy to be returning to Australia and work under one of the greatest rugby league coaches of all time in Wayne Bennett.
“I had a discussion with Wayne earlier in the year,” Woolf said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“This was not a decision I made very quickly (but) he’s been great as he gave me plenty of time and didn’t push me to make a decision at all.
“The opportunity to be at a club where you get to start fresh and try to get it right straight away (was exciting).
“The club has already put some great systems and people in place.
“I think it’s going to be a strong club fairly early.
“The opportunity to work with Wayne Bennett as well (was a no-brainer).
“I obviously enjoy being a head coach and I have loved my last three years over here (in England).
“At the same time, I know I’ve got plenty to learn and I can certainly learn off a bloke like Wayne.”
Tonga have had a solid start to their Rugby League World Cup campaign and have qualified for the finals after wins against Wales and Papua New Guinea.
Woolf said that whilst he is happy to have secured a World Cup finals berth, there remains plenty of improvement for his side.
“We’ve done enough to get through games,” Woolf continued.
“I’m pretty happy where we sit at the moment.
“We’re building and we’re definitely getting a bit better every time we get together.
“We have a few players to come back in that will make a huge difference.
“Jason Taumalolo, Isaiya Katoa and Moses Suli are both available this week.
“We’re getting stronger and that’s the position we want to be in.
“We want to make difficult decisions.”
Tonga will play Cook Islands on October 31 in their final pool match. They will likely face Samoa in the quarter-final on November 6.