Tongan tests will go ahead – RLIF
The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) is stepping in as the ugly confrontation between Tongan officials and players continues.
News broke earlier this week that at least 30 players were ready to boycott Tonga’s looming international rugby league program unless a new board is elected.
The hold-out threatens to undo years of growth in the international game, something RLIF southern hemisphere general manager Jeremy Edwards told Stuff he was determined to avoid.
The game’s governing federation has stepped in and insists the end of year tests will go on as planned, despite not yet having had any contact with players.
‘‘Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that (boycott), the best way to deal with this is to find a resolution that works for both parties and we are working towards that now,’’ Edwards said.
The IRLF were made aware of the public spat ‘‘about 10 days ago’’ and had since started dialogue with Tongan officials, though wouldn’t be dealing directly with the players at the centre of the issue.
Edwards refused to speak to speculation the fixtures could be cancelled altogether if the holdout continues, insisting a compromise would be reached before that.
‘‘I won’t speak to negativity like that because that suggests a solution might not happen – I’m confident it will,’’ he said.
‘‘The Pacific game is vital to the growth of rugby league world wide and is a top priority for us. Disputes between coaches and boards happens, it’s unfortunate but it does.
‘‘But I am confident we will have this situation sorted before the international fixtures get underway.’’
Edwards worked as a tournament director during the 2017 Rugby World Cup, and said the scenes at the Tongan matches were ‘‘unforgettable’’ and not something the federation were not willing to lose.
Despite the RLIF’s optimism, however, the players leading the revolt are standing resolute.
And with just over a month until the inaugural World Cup Nines, Tongan Rugby League (TNRL) remains in disarray with the likes of NRL stars Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo leading the campaign to oust chairman George Koloamatangi and secretary William Edwards.
Will Hopoate, Manu Ma’u, Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Tevita Pangai Junior have also said they would sit out the upcoming games.
The spat started when the TRL sacked coach Kristian Woolf, a man credited for helping lead the 2017 Tongan rugby league revolution.
The RLIF does have ‘‘options’’ to come in and make changes itself, should negotiations between the players and TRL stall.
However, Edwards said he hoped it would not come to that.
‘‘We don’t want to come in and swing the axe so to speak, there are options there to do so, but again I’m confident it can be resolved the right way that leaves all parties satisfied. That’s the goal and that’s what we are working towards.’’