Hybrid game ‘still alive’

The NRL is considering an $8 million pitch to turn the All Blacks’ cross-code clash into a reality after involving Trent Robinson and Wayne Bennett in high-level discussions with the concept’s promoter last week. It appeared the momentum for a potential game between the Kangaroos and All Blacks at the end of the year had come to a grinding halt in recent weeks, however both the NRL and New Zealand Rugby have been working behind the scenes to bring the idea to life. The NRL met promoter Dean Lonergan last week, with Robinson, Bennett and the rest of their Project Apollo committee members also present. The concept has the backing of Bennett, who was pitched the idea by Lonergan almost two decades ago.