Mal plugs Test at Suncorp
KANGAROOS coach Mal Meninga has backed plans for an Australia- Tonga Test in Brisbane as Suncorp Stadium emerges as a possible venue to host the code’s newest international powerhouse.
The Townsville Bulletin can reveal Meninga and NRL boss Todd Greenberg held talks about a Kangaroos- Tonga showdown in the wake of the brilliant Pacific Test at Campbelltown last Friday night.
Suncorp Stadium general manager Alan Graham confirmed he is in talks with the NRL to stage an AustraliaTonga Test match at the home of Queensland rugby league.
However, the NRL is exploring a range of options, including venues in New Zealand to capitalise on the huge Tongan supporter base which flocked to Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium for last year’s World Cup semi- final.
The Kangaroos are already scheduled to play one Test this year against the Kiwis in New Zealand on October 13.
Talks are now underway for Australia to play another international against Tonga – either before or after the transTasman Test – with Meninga pushing the Brisbane venue.
“We are trying to get a game against Tonga,” Meninga said yesterday.
“I believe Suncorp would be a great option.”
Greenberg was blown away by the red- coloured sea of support for Tonga in their 38- 22 defeat of Samoa at Campbelltown and is keen for the World Cup semi- finalists to play more Test matches.
Playing an Australia- Tonga Test in New Zealand would make logistic sense, given the Kangaroos will already cross the ditch to face the Kiwis after the NRL grand final.
But Graham remains hopeful Suncorp will be considered for a Test that could pit Tonga’s Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita against Kangaroos Greg Inglis and Boyd Cordner.
“From the stadium’s point of view, we strongly support the development of the game in the Pacific. It would be great to see a Tonga Test at Suncorp Stadium,” Graham said.
“The atmosphere at Campbelltown last week against Samoa was phenomenal. The crowd was so well behaved and it would be great to see that sort of colour and football with an Australia- Tonga Test at Suncorp.”