Woolf bidding to make Old Trafford return with Tonga after St Helens glory

Tonga coach Kristian Woolf has set his sights on a special return to Old Trafford for the Rugby League World Cup final after leading St Helens to Super League glory at the same venue. Woolf finished his time in charge of Saints by overseeing his third straight Grand Final victory and the club's record-breaking fourth consecutive triumph with a 24-12 win over Leeds Rhinos at the end of September.

Ad With the celebrations done and dusted, Woolf will become Wayne Bennett's assistant at new NRL side the Dolphins next season, but first he has business to attend to on these shores with 2017 semi-finalists Tonga hoping to go one better than five years ago. Rugby LeagueScotland ready to mix it with the best as they seek World Cup improvement13 MINUTES AGO Woolf said: «It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks, coming off the Grand Final and the success there, and by the end of the week I was in camp with these blokes.

»It would be outstanding to get to the final. To be able to take these guys and be involved in a game at Old Trafford — such an iconic stadium with such an atmosphere about it, with the English fans and the atmosphere they create — it would be another special moment these guys have been a part of and these blokes have given me.

«I certainly hope that I can be there with them and we can get that opportunity.» Woolf has picked two Saints in Konrad Hurrell and Will Hopoate in his Tonga squad and there is a familiar feel to proceedings, with the side based in the town and their opening fixture against Papua New Guinea taking place at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Tuesday. Hurrell enjoyed a splendid resurgence under Woolf's guidance this year, culminating in a barnstorming performance and crucial try in the Grand Final