'Next in line': Woolf joins Dolphins coaching staff

Mate Ma'a Tonga coach Kristian Woolf will return home from England after the World Cup to join the Dolphins on a deal that is set to see him succeed Wayne Bennett.

Woolf, who is on target to lead St Helens to three consecutive Super League titles after the club recently clinched the League Leaders Shield, will be an assistant to Bennett when the Dolphins enter the NRL next season.

Bennett said Woolf was "next in line" to take over from him as Dolphins head coach.

“Kristian has done his time as both an assistant and a head coach and done everything right to deserve this opportunity,” Bennett said. 

“He has been an assistant at a couple of different NRL clubs, has been a head coach in the Queensland Cup, and has had a lot of success coaching in England over the last few years. 

“Kristian has done the deal to bring his family home to Queensland and I am certain he is going to be a great asset to the Dolphins and is next in line as head coach of the club.” 

Woolf has led the Tongan revolution in international rugby league, transforming the tiny Pacific Island nation from Test minnow into a celebrated powerhouse. 

Along the way Tonga defeated New Zealand and Great Britain and in 2019 became the first Tier Two nation in 40 years to defeat the Australian Kangaroos. 

Under Woolf St Helens has won the last two Super League Grand Finals, the 2021 Challenge Cup Final, and have just claimed the 2022 Super League minor premiership. 

“This has not been an easy decision for myself or my family, but it’s time for us to return home," Woolf said. "We made a decision a little while ago due to personal factors that have played their part in our decision.

“I have been here for three years and I have loved every minute of it. I love the club and what it has provided for both me and my family. The fans have been great with me, the passion they show and the way they support the cub is terrific.

"They have also made my family feel at home and have welcomed us into the community and on behalf of my family I want to thank them for that. I also want to pay thanks to the St Helens board, staff and my players.

"It has been a privilege to work with this exceptional group of men who are all extremely driven and worked so hard to achieve the success they have. What I love about them is how they compete and have a relentless attitude every week.

"This is the same for the staff, who are great people to work with and are all on the same page, working closely together to move in the same direction. They have all helped me become a better coach."

Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said it was no secret that Woolf had significant interest from other NRL clubs as a head coach. 

“There is no doubt that gaining Woolf’s signature is a significant coup for the Dolphins,” said Reader. 

“He has produced success wherever he goes and that has made him one of the most sought-after young coaches in rugby league. 

“He is also a Queenslander, so understands the proud history and the importance of the success of the Dolphins. 

“Bringing him together with Wayne Bennett gives confidence to the players we have signed to be part of our first season, and those that are considering coming to the club. 

“It also gives the Dolphins great stability and a long-term plan for our coaching ranks and underlines our board’s designated model of building a club for the future, not just 2023.”