Kristian Woolf wants Wayne Bennett to remain with Tonga for World Cup

Tonga head coach Kristian Woolf says he would love to work alongside Wayne Bennett for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.

Former England boss Bennett returns to the international scene in an advisory role with Tonga ahead of their Pacific Test against New Zealand.

Woolf will remain in Super League with St Helens, with Dean Young taking charge for the clash at Mt Smart Stadium on June 25.

Bennett will return to club coaching next year with NRL’s new 17th side in the Dolphins. The former Australia and Great Britain boss will help out Young, who played under the 72-year-old when the Dragons won the premiership in 2010.

Young has been assistant with Tonga and also North Queensland, while Sika Manu will also join the coaching staff for the test. 

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“Dean Young has worked with us before and he’s a very popular coaching member within the players and very highly respected by the players,” Woolf told Love Rugby League.

“Having someone that knew how we work and how our camps work and knew the players really well was important. He certainly fits that bill and he’ll do a great job.

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“Not being able to be there myself, I thought it was really important to have that senior figure as well.

“Someone that can really help Dean out with the coaching sides;