Kiwis to play three league tests in US
New Zealand Rugby League has confirmed the Kiwis will play a test against England in the United States for the next three years – with the first in Denver on June 23.
With the tests now confirmed, it will be interesting to see the reactions from NRL clubs and whether players will be released to take part.
But NZRL chairman Reon Edwards said the test will be a step forward for the code as it continues to grow in North America.
‘‘Rugby League is making impressive strides in the United States and Canada,’’ Edwards said.
‘‘This test match is an opportunity to showcase the highest level of our sport in the North American market, which has significant participation and commercial potential.
‘‘NZRL has worked with the Rugby Football League and the Rugby League International Federation on this, agreeing to play a New Zealand-England test in the United States each year for the next three years,’’ he said.
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 Kiwis’ 2018 Test Programme June 28 – Kiwis v England; Denver, Colorado, USA October 13 – Kiwis v Australia; Auckland, NZ October 27 – England v Kiwis; Hull, England November 3 – England v Kiwis; Liverpool, England November 11 – England v Kiwis; Leeds, England November 17 – France v Kiwis; venue TBC. 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.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney, who’ll be affected more than any other NRL coach by the test, declined to make any comment about it on Tuesday, but Warriors CEO Cameron George recently told Stuff, that they’ll look at it on a player by player basis.
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.
‘‘Growing our game internationally has to be a priority – think of the opportunities we could create for our game if it was a genuine international sport played all over the world.
‘‘I know it’ll be tough for some NRL clubs to see the importance at first, but if we really care about the game, then I think it’s something we have to support. I definitely will.’’
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.
The previous TV deal between the NRL and Channel Nine prevented the Anzac test being played on this side of the Tasman.
But now that deal has lapsed and the mid season fixture between the two nations scrapped, it has opened up that option again and there will a fixture at the end of each season between New Zealand and Australia, with hosting rights alternating.
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.