Former Hull FC forward Sika Manu takes up international coaching role

Former back-rower Sika Manu has taken up a coaching role with the Tonga national team as they continue to prepare for this autumn’s World Cup. Manu made 13 appearances for Tonga as a player and after agreeing to make a return to the game in an assistant coach role, he’ll be working alongside former England chief Wayne Bennett.

Bennett will act in an advisory role as Tonga meet New Zealand later this month in a Test match in Auckland, offering a helping hand to Dean Young, who will be standing in for head coach Kristian Woolf. Woolf is tied up with St Helens this month and won’t be able to make the trip to New Zealand, but he has put his faith in Bennett, Young and Manu to help his team prepare for their trip to England later this year.

"No-one has had more success in coaching rugby league than Wayne Bennett, having him there will be a great experience for both the players and the staff," Woolf said. “But we have been able to put together an amazing coaching staff with Dean, Wayne and Sika.

"Dean has been an assistant on the Tongan team previously and is one of the brightest young coaching prospects in the NRL. Sika was the captain of this team through a golden period and understands the passion of the Mate Ma'a Tonga.

"This is a strong coaching staff for what will ultimately be a new-look Tongan team missing some players from the English Super League, who will be playing an important international Test while competing for spots in the World Cup squad."