KIWIS’ CUP BUILD-UP LEEDS TO A FRIENDLY

NEW Zealand will finalise their preparations for the end-of-year World Cup with a warm-up match against Leeds at Headingley.

The game will take place on Saturday, October 8 - eight days before the Kiwis’ opening World Cup group clash against Lebanon in Warrington.

Michael Maguire’s men then take on Jamaica in Hull before returning to Headingley for their final group fixture against Ireland on October 28.

NZRL chief executive Greg Peters said: “To face the Rhinos at Headingly to kick start our World Cup campaign is special.

“The match celebrates our return to the northern hemisphere after an international rugby league hiatus while also commemorating the long-shared history between New Zealand and Leeds which holds a special place in the hearts of Kiwi fans and legends.”

The match will continue a tradition of contests between Leeds and the New Zealanders dating back to the first of 12 meetings when the first ever touring side, the All Golds, played at Headingley in 1907.

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington said: “To have been granted a game against one of our great Test-playing nations is a huge honour for Leeds Rhinos.

“International rugby league is the pinnacle of our sport and it has been sorely missed over the last three years.”