KRISTIAN Woolf's long-term move to new NRL club the Dolphins has been confirmed this morning.

It was announced yesterday that Woolf will leave Saints at the end of the season.

He will become the assistant to Wayne Bennett, the greatest grand final-winning coach in Australian rugby league, at the 2023 NRL debutants.

Under Woolf Saints won the last two Super League Grand Finals, the 2021 Challenge Cup Final, and last week claimed the League Leaders Shield.

Bennett said: “Kristian has done his time as both an assistant and a head coach and done everything right to deserve this opportunity.

“He has been an assistant at a couple of different NRL clubs, has been a head coach in the Queensland Cup, and has had a lot of success coaching in England over the last few years.

“Kristian has done the deal to bring his family home to Queensland and I am certain he is going to be a great asset to the Dolphins and is next in line as head coach of the club.”

Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said it was no secret that Woolf had significant interest from other NRL clubs as a head coach.

“There is no doubt that gaining Woolf’s signature is a significant coup for the Dolphins,” said Reader.

“He has produced success wherever he goes and that has made him one of the most sought-after young coaches in rugby league.

“He is also a Queenslander, so understands the proud history and the importance of the success of the Dolphins.

“Bringing him together with Wayne Bennett gives confidence to the players we have signed to be part of our first season, and those that are considering coming to the club.

“It also gives the Dolphins great stability and a long-term plan for our coaching ranks and underlines our board’s designated model of building a club for the future, not just 2023.”

Woolf will join the Dolphins at the conclusion of Tonga’s World Cup commitments in November.