sportskeeda
TUI LOLOHEA has called on England to join the Pacific party that is transforming the landscape of international rugby league.
Shaun Wane’s squad is viewed as an underdog as seven nations, located more than 10,000 miles apart, face off against each other annually.
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As it stands, England finds itself as the ‘outsider’ in the three-team Championship and Bowl—currently featuring Samoa, with Australia set to join next year—for a tour in the UK.
Huddersfield player Lolohea was part of a Tonga team that stunned New Zealand on their home ground and challenged Australia in the Pacific Championship final.
He believes that England should explore the idea of joining, transforming it into an eight-nation competition, whether every other year or once every four years.
The benefits these tournaments bring to the Test game are considerable.
Lolohea remarked: “I would be thrilled for England to take part in the Pacific Championship.
“Even if it is similar to the Six Nations, involving the six leading teams competing against each other.
“Sure, it will require time, but look at rugby union; there are numerous international matches happening each year. We could establish something similar.
“Right now, there are two pools made up of the Championship and the Bowl; perhaps they could be structured into two groups of four for the year—we simply need to grow the game.
“I hope they can tour Australia more often and get involved in some of those fixtures.
“One key insight I had was noticing the drastic differences in conditions. Australia is hot and has a distinct atmosphere.
“It would greatly benefit England to visit and engage in such tours to test their abilities against the world’s elite teams.”
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Lolohea, now 29, made history as Tonga clinched a spot in the Pacific Championship final by narrowly defeating New Zealand 25-24.
This milestone has ignited conversations about creating a series similar to the State of Origin, and he believes that the islanders, who have drawn many stars away from the Kiwis, possess the potential to be formidable competitors.
He added: “Representing Tonga was absolutely amazing, and with our present standing, we have the chance not only to compete against the best teams but also to emerge victorious.
“Just a decade ago, this concept would have been beyond imagination. Now, we can genuinely take on the challenge.
“It’s the zenith of the sport. It’s every player’s ultimate aspiration, and the manner in which we overcame New Zealand was extraordinary.”
