As international rugby league reaches fever pitch with the Ashes and Pacific Championships in full swing, the spectacle has delivered a huge boost for the NRL — but not everyone is celebrating.
Samoa coach Ben Gardiner and Tonga coach Kristian Woolf have urged the NRL to step up, calling for greater support, equality, and recognition for Pacific nations ahead of next year’s Rugby League World Cup.
Their message follows Sunday’s blockbuster showdown between Samoa and Tonga, which drew nearly 45,000 fans — a turnout that highlights the Pacific nations’ growing importance to the international game and their role in showcasing some of rugby league’s most exciting talent.
Yet despite their massive influence and passionate fan base, Gardiner and Woolf say Pacific teams continue to fight an uphill battle, competing under conditions far less favourable than those enjoyed by powerhouse nations like Australia.
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“Teams like Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji should be respected,” Gardiner told news.com.au.
“It shows how the Pacific nations are leading the way with rugby league at the moment.”
While Woolf acknowledged progress had been made in recent years, he argued the NRL still gives preferential treatment to major nations like Australia.
“Things are more equal and we get more respect than we used to, but we’re still a long way behind the bigger nations, Australia in particular,” Woolf said.
“When you look at the conditions afforded to other teams, I think it’s time we got a bit more respect.”
Gardiner agreed, urging the NRL to ensure a level playing field — especially with the World Cup fast approaching.
“I think there’s a need for fairness across the board,” Gardiner said.
“Teams like Australia have been given special conditions around their CBA, everyone deserves to be treated equally.”