NRL boss Todd Greenberg meets with Jason Taumalolo over threats of Tongan boycott
NRL boss Todd Greenberg will meet with Tongan kingpin Jason Taumalolo in a desperate effort to end the disastrous boycott which threatens to end the Pacific Island’s rise.
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NRL boss Todd Greenberg has described a Tongan boycott of the international game as a potential “disaster” - leading him to hold urgent talks with team leader Jason Taumalolo in Melbourne.
In a move that could have a dire impact on the International game, Taumalolo is leading a player rebellion against the Tongan Rugby League after its new interim board sensationally sacked the entire coaching staff in a bitter power play.
Tonga’s presence on the world stage is in turmoil with the entire playing group united in boycotting the upcoming World Cup 9s and Tests against Great Britain and Australia.
Greenberg flew to Melbourne to present the J.J Gilitian Shield to minor premiers the Storm at full-time of Friday’s clash with Taumalolo’s North Queensland Cowboys.
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But of equal importance to Greenberg was ensuring he met with Taumalolo after the match to determine how he can help resolve the issues.
“We’ve spent considerable time and energy over the last few years developing Tonga’s ability to shine on the international stage,’’ Greenberg said.
“And this is only the beginning of their rise for international rugby league.
“So we need to ensure that any decision is made always puts the game and the fans first.
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Asked what the commercial impact of a boycott would mean for the NRL, Greenberg said: “It would be a disaster for the Oceania Cup tournament.
“Tonga have shown their ability to compete with the big nations and to draw crowds, so I think everyone would agree we need to see the best Tongan side available possible.’’
Tongan players have demanded interim Tonga National Rugby League board to hold an election and are seeking the removal of chairman George Kolomatangi and secretary William Edwards.
Aside from the players disgust in the coaching staff clean-out is a further claim that the use of up to $50,000 in 2017 World Cup player payments, which the Tongan playing group wanted poured back into grassroots, has never been disclosed by Kolomatangi and Edwards.
Such is the concern from within island nation, Tongan government dignitaries held a specially-convened meeting yesterday in attempt to resolve the drama.
Andrew Fifita - who personally met with the Tongan Prime Minister last week - used social media to reaffirm the players position.
“We need friends, family and fans to get behind the players of MMT (Mate Ma’a Tonga) and help us bring our coaching staff back,’’ Fifita wrote.
“Don’t let 2 untrustworthy boardman (sic) in George Kolomatangi and William Edwards rip our team apart.
“As players, we will not take part in the world 9s and the 2 test matches at the end of year.
“Our terms are easy, get rid of these 2 men and we will play or players will walk from the team and bring an end to MMT.”
Tonga emerged as a genuine threat to established powerhouses at the 2017 World Cup when, led by representative stars who had switched allegiances, it came within a game of making it to the final.
Taumalolo shocked the footy world when he pledged his loyalty to Tonga before the tournament, turning his back on New Zealand, who he had already played 10 Test matches for.
Fifita did the same, snubbing the Kangaroos to play for Tonga and honour his father’s heritage.
The issue has been simmering for at least six weeks, with Jim Dymock, Tim Sheens and Trent Barrett also approached to replace Woolf.