'Figure that out': Kristian Woolf coy on future with Tonga as big NRL job begins
Kristian Woolf has felt every emotion of the Tongan team over the past decade, but his time as coach could be nearing its end.
Competing in the nation's first major final, Tonga fell short of victory at the hands of a dominant Australian outfit in the Pacific Cup decider on Sunday.
The team has undergone a massive transformation since Woolf's takeover in 2014, with just two players remaining from the side he first fielded.
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But his time with the red and white has come into question as he prepares to replace Wayne Bennett as head coach of the Dolphins in the NRL.
Tonga's head coach Kristian Woolf celebrates with a fan after defeating New Zealand. Hannah Peters via Getty Images
The 49-year-old will be taking over from Bennett after two years as his assistant in clubland.
Woolf's success on the international stage in recent years made him an appealing candidate for the Dolphins, having worked as an assistant to the veteran Bennett coach since 2022.
However, the international coaching role tends to fall into the hands of those not at the helm of an NRL club - a topic which Woolf was not keen to provide clarity on.
"We'll figure that out in due time," he told reporters post-match of his ability to commit to both jobs next year.
"The first person I will talk to will be the bloke beside me [Jason Taumalolo]. He's been here with me since my first involvement in 2013.
"Him and Addin [Fonua-Blake] will be the first two I'll speak to about [my decision].
"We'll figure that out later."
If Woolf were to quit his duties in the coming months, he remains confident the foundations and depth of talent coming through the pathways is enough to see Tonga continue to thrive on the international stage.
"We're only going to get better," Woolf said.
"They all only going to get better and they're going to get better together.
"They're still only young, in two years or so they're going to put themselves in a good position to win the World Cup."
The praise for his team was supported by Taumalolo, who attributed Tonga's success to the faith and determination of their coach.
"I don't think people realise the work that's happened behind closed doors that Kristian's gone through," he said.
"He's had a few tough years having to deal with some things that were not in our control.
"We're only seeing the results of his hard work now.
"Whether Kristian continues or not, that's not our decision. We know we have the right guy at the helm now. That's not what we're worried about."
