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https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/leagu...-confirmed-for-next-month-at-mt-smart-stadium
NZRL CRO Greg Peters has confirmed that Tonga will play Australia at Mt Smart Stadium on October 20, a week after the Kiwis host the Kangaroos at the same venue.
After weeks of negotiations, the NZRL has relented to agree to the test being played on New Zealand soil, even though it may affect ticket sales for the Kiwis' game.
"This is a fantastic result for all fans of rugby league and the continued growth of the international game," NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said in a statement.
"Many people have worked tirelessly right around the globe to ensure this match takes place.
"I'd particularly like to thank the NZRL for their efforts to ensure this match eventuated on New Zealand soil, along with the RLPA and the players.
"Tonga are the fourth ranked team in the world and have fully earned their right to take on the world champion Kangaroos."
It is believed the Australian players have agreed to take a pay cut for the test. They are usually paid $20,000 for each test match, which they'll get for playing the Kiwis, but will earn $5000 for the test against Tonga.
As part of the deal for the test to be played at Auckland, it has been agreed that the Kiwis will host Tonga during the middle of next season, when the NRL takes a break for the second State of Origin game.
The arrangement for the Kiwis to play England in Denver each year has collapsed with this year's test being a financial disaster.
"Kiwi fans have waited a long time and it's great to be serving up such an exciting schedule of international matches," Peters said of the two tests next month.
~~~~~
Excellent news. Possibly the most important Test to be played this year. If Tonga can compete, and even beat Australia, we should be in for a wild few years.
Now:
1) Tonga must play a warm up match against someone/something;
2) The Pacific 2019 Test is dead?
3) What even is the Pacific Championship?
NZRL CRO Greg Peters has confirmed that Tonga will play Australia at Mt Smart Stadium on October 20, a week after the Kiwis host the Kangaroos at the same venue.
After weeks of negotiations, the NZRL has relented to agree to the test being played on New Zealand soil, even though it may affect ticket sales for the Kiwis' game.
"This is a fantastic result for all fans of rugby league and the continued growth of the international game," NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said in a statement.
"Many people have worked tirelessly right around the globe to ensure this match takes place.
"I'd particularly like to thank the NZRL for their efforts to ensure this match eventuated on New Zealand soil, along with the RLPA and the players.
"Tonga are the fourth ranked team in the world and have fully earned their right to take on the world champion Kangaroos."
It is believed the Australian players have agreed to take a pay cut for the test. They are usually paid $20,000 for each test match, which they'll get for playing the Kiwis, but will earn $5000 for the test against Tonga.
As part of the deal for the test to be played at Auckland, it has been agreed that the Kiwis will host Tonga during the middle of next season, when the NRL takes a break for the second State of Origin game.
The arrangement for the Kiwis to play England in Denver each year has collapsed with this year's test being a financial disaster.
"Kiwi fans have waited a long time and it's great to be serving up such an exciting schedule of international matches," Peters said of the two tests next month.
~~~~~
Excellent news. Possibly the most important Test to be played this year. If Tonga can compete, and even beat Australia, we should be in for a wild few years.
Now:
1) Tonga must play a warm up match against someone/something;
2) The Pacific 2019 Test is dead?
3) What even is the Pacific Championship?
but I do hope Tonga smash them so they can take the international game seriously
