Kristian Woolf brings St Helens star and ex-Warrington Wolves man into Tonga side

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

That’s what they say, but, despite a win over Papua New Guinea last week, former St Helens boss Kristian Woolf has made a number of changes to his Tongan side.

That’s perhaps because Tonga were nearly stunned by the Kumuls last week despite being one of the favourites for the tournament and needed a late winner to claim the trophy.

One of his changes sees him bring in one of the men who helped him win the Super League trophy with St Helens in 2022 as he named ex-Leeds Rhinos centre Konrad Hurrell in his 17.

In another change, ex-Warrington Wolves and Salford Red Devils forward Ben Murdoch-Masila comes onto the bench to join Gold Coast Titans’ David Fifita on the bench.

Meanwhile, Huddersfield Giants halfback Tui Lolohea is again named in the halves despite playing fullback for most of the season at the John Smith’s Stadium.

A win for Tonga will all but secure their place in the quarter-finals where they seem set to meet Samoa in what could be one of the best and biggest quarter-finals in World Cup history.

The winner of that game will likely meet England at the Emirates Stadium in London with a place in the final up for grabs.

So, tonight is a big game for Woolf on his old stomping ground: The Totally Wicked Stadium.

🔒 Here are the teams for Tonga v Wales in Group D of #RLWC2021

Prediction time: who will win? Reply with your answer!#TONWAL pic.twitter.com/kZDdVNgscc

— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) October 24, 2022