Samoa enforcer Spencer Leniu has called for an annual three-match series against Tonga, arguing the rugby league Tests could reach a similar status to State of Origin.
There was a swell of support for Tonga last week against Australia in Sydney, while Samoa played a two- Test series against England.The door could potentially be open for more flexibility in the representative calendar when the NRL expands to 20 teams, with the possibility of a shorter regular season.
The understood hierarchy in international men's rugby league has been shattered by the rising Pasifika teams, but there are concerns from across the ditch that the scales are tipping too far. After watching Tonga reach this year's Pacific Championships final, he believes the time is right to strike for the two Pacific nations."It's probably the biggest Pacific Island rivalry, between us and Tonga. It's unbelievable to see what they did this year making it to the grand final.
While that could be played at the same time as the NSW-Queensland Origin series, a Samoa-Tonga series would not be as easy to schedule.
ABC Sport Samoa Tonga State Of Origin Spence Leniu Test Rugby League
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