How an in-season meeting could fuel Tonga's bid for World Cup glory

Tongan captain Addin Fonua-Blake has expressed a strong wish for the team to convene during the NRL season as they work on strategies for a successful World Cup later this year.

The team is approaching a crucial 12 months following a tough 2025 Pacific Championships, where they faced defeats against both Samoa and New Zealand.

Fonua-Blake is eager to reverse this trend at the World Cup, but the rugby league schedule complicates efforts to establish effective team dynamics and connections.

Coach Kristian Woolf frequently engages with players throughout the year, but coordinating a squad meeting during the NRL season presents significant challenges.

Currently, the calendar lacks independent representative weekends, and numerous Tongan players are also involved in State of Origin, making it hard to gather the entire squad during that timeframe.

Magic Round may offer the best chance to meet, with Woolf actively seeking options to facilitate this gathering.

Despite the hurdles, Fonua-Blake noted that uniting the team before the World Cup would greatly enhance their readiness and morale.