Kristian Woolf has warned Tonga's historical win over Australia was not a fluke and suggests his side will be stronger by the time the delayed World Cup kicks off in England next year.
Tonga stunned the rugby league world when they defeated the Kangaroos in 2019, becoming the first team other than New Zealand or Great Britain to beat the Australian side since France in 1978.
Unable to play a Test since 2019, there were fears the red Tongan juggernaut might have fallen by the wayside.
But Woolf said the decision to push back the 2021 World Cup to next year could work in his team's favour.
"The interest and commitment hasn't wavered even with the lack of Tests," he told AAP.
"The future there is really bright and I can only see us getting stronger and having better depth.
"We've got a number of players breaking through for their club sides going deep into finals and doing an outstanding job.
"I don't want to leave anyone out but you've got Moeaki Fotuaika, who's been great the last few years for the Titans.
"Junior Tatola at Souths has been with us in the past. On top of that you've got Haumole Olakau'atu, Moses Suli, Keaon Koloamatangi, Siosifa Talakai and then there's Junior Amone at the Dragons.
"We know we are going to put together a good side and if we get the best out of those players we can go to the World Cup and put ourselves in a position to win."
Not so long ago Tonga were seen as a second option, but under Woolf's guidance they have become many players' first choice.
Kotoni Staggs who, if fit, would be wanted by the NSW Blues and the Kangaroos, has reaffirmed his commitment to Tonga.
Titans back-rower David Fifita is another with ties to Tonga and Australia, but his preference is to represent Mal Meninga's side.
There have been calls for players who play Origin to be tied to Australia, but Woolf argued the international game would be stronger if players were given a choice over their Test team.
"David had the option a couple of years ago and chose the Australia path," Woolf said.
"Kotoni has played for Tonga a number of times and my opinion is that you should be able to do both.
"Players have allegiances to both if they grow up in a Tongan house in Australia or New Zealand."
Woolf has yet to hear plans of a mid-season Test for Tonga, but New Zealand are open to hosting a match in June.
Tonga's World Cup camp will be in St Helens where Woolf is coach and Will Hopoate, Konrad Hurrell and Agantius Paasi are on the books.
Australian Associated Press
