Push for more tests for Tonga

The boss of the Rugby League International Federation believes the current set-up is too ‘‘colonial’’ but is in no rush to elevate Tonga to tier-one status.

‘‘It’s a bit disrespectful and colonial when England, Australia and New Zealand are tier-one and everyone else is tier two,’’ Nigel Wood said. ‘‘It’s out of date and unnecessary.’’

As it stands, Tonga are a tier-two nation which means players can still make themselves available for the likes of New Zealand and Australia.

Wood, however, was more interested in cashing in on Tonga’s success and wanted to push for the tiny Pacific nation to play more tests.

Not only will they feature in an historic sellout against Australia at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday, there are also plans for them to play against the touring British Lions at the end of next year, as well as an annual Oceania Cup to also include Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo’s Tongans are also expected to headline one of the four pools at the 2021 World Cup.

Wood is in Auckland for the Kangaroos’ two tests, and stopped via Sydney to catch some of the Emerging Nations in action during the week, and said of the rise of Tonga: ‘‘It’s magnificent they’re playing Australia.

‘‘We need to do better than playing once a year at Campbelltown. We need structure and some rhythm so [people know what these Pacific nations are playing for and there’s a trophy lifted at the end with a Pacific champion.

‘‘The international window is at the end of each season while there’s also the one weekend during State of Origin. There will be no need to encroach on clubs.’’

The Oceania Cup could be given the green light as early as 2019.

The pay gap between the nations is another burning issue the RLIF has vowed to address.

Australian players earn A$20,000 a test match, but will collect as little as A$5000 against Tonga in a move to ensure the game went ahead.