AUSSIES TRY TO GIVE TEST IN DENVER THE BOOT

RUGBY LEAGUE

ENGLAND’S June Test match against New Zealand in Denver continues to be dogged by opposition from the NRL. The Australian competition’s chief medical offer Paul Bloomfield has expressed player welfare concerns over the game. They include playing at altitude at Denver Broncos’ Mile High Stadium and the travelling involved for the June 23 fixture. The NRL clubs and players association met last week to discuss the issue, where Bloomfield and chief operating officer Nick Weeks outlined their worries. Reports in Australia suggest that an “angry letter” has been drafted and will be sent to the governing bodies in England and New Zealand. Mirror Sport understands the RFL has not yet received any such letter, as promoter Jason Moore pushes ahead with preparations for the match, which he believes can attract a crowd of 35,000. Canberra’s England international Elliot Whitehead has also become the latest player to speak in support of the Test and says he has not heard from the NRL over their concerns.

Whitehead (above) said: ”They haven’t really contacted me, but I’ve heard little bits about it.

“Hopefully they can work together – the NRL and the Rugby League International Federation – if they can work together and get stuff in place then I don’t see why the Test shouldn’t go ahead.

“Hopefully they can get that sorted sooner rather than later.”

Warrington Wolves, winners of the 2012 Challenge Cup, will face either Hunslet Hawks or Bradford Bulls in the fifth round of this year’s competition after last night’s draw.

Toronto, who pushed Salford all the way in 2017, were drawn at home to Barrow, but will play the tie at Hull KR’s Craven Park.