Kiwis coach excited about Tonga game

LEEDS: New Zealand coach Michael Maguire thinks his team’s muchanticipated 2019 clash with Tonga can become the Kiwis’ own version of State of Origin.

Tonga upset New Zealand in the 2017 World Cup, defeating the Kiwis 2822.

Powered by former Kiwi star Jason Taumalolo and exKangaroo Andrew Fifita, the Mate Ma’a made it all the way to the event’s semifinals, and will face New Zealand again in June.

Maguire is confident the rematch has the potential to become an event that could rival Australia’s State of Origin.

‘‘It’s definitely got an opportunity to do that, I’d like to see that,’’ the Wests Tigers boss said.

‘‘It’s obviously going to be played on that standalone weekend, so what a weekend of rugby league that’s going to be. Culturally, the things you can do around those games . . . I think it’s going to be a spectacle.’’

New Zealand finished off its threetest series with England with an impressive 340 victory in Leeds on Sunday.

But Maguire admits he cannot wait for his side to do battle with Tonga again.

‘‘Definitely. To see the spectacle they we’ve seen . . . those games are the ones you want to be a part of,’’ he said.

‘‘I’m looking forward to getting that black jersey into the crowd too. For all our fans there, I’m looking forward to that time . . . .

‘‘That will be a great opportunity for ourselves and for Tonga.’’ — AAP