Kiwis to play test in US

New Zealand Rugby League has confirmed the Kiwis will play England in Denver on June 23 and again in 2019 and 2020.

With the tests now confirmed, it will be interesting to see the reactions from NRL clubs, and whether players will be released to play in it.

But NZRL chair Reon Edwards said the test will be a step forward for the code as it continues to grow in North America.

The growth of the sport in North America has been sparked by the hosting rights for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup being given jointly to Canada and USA, plus the rise of the Toronto Wolfpack, who last season won promotion to the second tier of the English game and look set to become a Super League team in 2019.

The teat will be at Mile High Stadium, which has a capacity of 76,000 and is the home venue for the Denver Broncos NFL team.

In a statement from the NZRL, former Kiwis captain Simon Mannering supported the test, but didn’t confirm that he’ll play in it.

‘‘I think it’s a great concept and

one I wish was around five years ago when I was a bit younger.’’

Meanwhile, the NZRL has confirmed it will host a test against the Kangaroos in Auckland on October 13, two weeks before heading to Europe for three tests against England and one against France.

It will be the first time the Kiwis have played the Kangaroos in New Zealand since the 2014 Four Nations tournament.

A rematch of the Rugby League Women’s World Cup final between the Kiwi Ferns and the Jillaroos will also take place this year, together with the Junior Kiwis taking on the Junior Kangaroos.