LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
As international rugby league gains momentum, with both the Ashes and Pacific Championships running concurrently, some participants in the NRL are expressing concerns. Samoa's coach Ben Gardiner and Tonga's coach Kristian Woolf are urging the NRL to extend more respect and support to Pacific nations in light of the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
According to news.com.au, both coaches believe that smaller nations deserve equitable treatment, particularly given their significant contribution to the growth of international rugby league in recent years. More than 45,000 fans are expected to attend the Tonga-Samoa match this Sunday, which both coaches view as a celebration of the essence of contemporary rugby league.
"Teams like Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji should be respected," Gardiner stated to news.com.au. "It shows how the Pacific nations are leading the way with rugby league at the moment."
Woolf echoed these sentiments, indicating that a disparity remains between how the NRL treats Pacific nations versus Australia.