A Mate Ma'a Tonga women's side shouldn't be out of the question for international rugby league in the future, according to Kiwi Ferns captain Honey Hireme.
With 2018 seeing the introduction of the women's NRL and women's State of Origin, Hireme is hopeful that the continuing advancement of the women's game will next spread to Test level, meaning more competitive sides, including those from the Pacific.
"Here in South Auckland, there's a lot of Tongan players," Hireme said at this afternoon's press conference in Auckland.
"I'd love to see all those Pacific nations be a part of that, and start to build their teams.
"That only helps us when it comes to the World Cup. We've got more competition, games, and that competitiveness within women's rugby league."
Hireme also joked that the introduction of a Tongan women's team could cause a split in her team's camp.
"We've got half a team of Tongans, so hopefully they stay with us."
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