Frank Endacott to take charge of Tonga this autumn
Ex-Wigan and Widnes coach Frank Endacott will take charge of Tonga’s end-of-season Test matches against Great Britain and Australia.
The former New Zealand boss has accepted an approach to replace Kristian Woolf as part of the new coaching staff that will see Manu Vatuvei, Lesley Vainikolo and Duanne Mann become assistant coaches.
Tongan National Rugby League chairman George Koloamatangi says replacing Woolf with Endacott was done purely because it was “time for a change”.
Endacott told NRL.com: “It’s always a challenge to take on the top teams, and both Australia and Great Britain have been in the top echelon for years.
“The Mate Ma’a Tonga players are world class and we see how good they are week in and week out in both the NRL and Super League. To have a chance to work with those players will be outstanding.”
Former Gold Coast Titans boss Garth Brennan will coach Tonga at the World Cup 9s on October 18-19 at Bankwest Stadium.
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