http://www.rugbyleaguenz.com/index.php?Page_ID=2&News_ID=1631
NZRL LAUNCHES KIWI ROOTS IN MAJOR OVERHAUL OF NATIONAL COMPETITIONS
Auckland, New Zealand, July 13, 2007 Kiwi Roots was today launched as the showpiece of the biggest competitions overhaul in New Zealand rugby league history.
Designed as New Zealands equivalent of State of Origin football, it will be a one-off north v south-styled annual battle using the Bombay Hills as the geographic divide.
Set to be staged for the first time on October 4 next year the eve of the National Rugby Leagues grand final the concept has already won backing from several NRL clubs approached so far.
This is enormously exciting for rugby league in this country, said New Zealand Rugby League chairman Andrew Chalmers.
The Kiwi Roots innovation will give us an ingredient that has been missing at the top end of the game.
National director of football Graham Lowe said Kiwi Roots would involve players from the NRL, the English Super League and those based in New Zealand.
The NRL clubs I have spoken to all support the idea of their New Zealand-eligible players being involved in our origin match, he said.
NZRL LAUNCHES KIWI ROOTS IN MAJOR OVERHAUL OF NATIONAL COMPETITIONS
Auckland, New Zealand, July 13, 2007 Kiwi Roots was today launched as the showpiece of the biggest competitions overhaul in New Zealand rugby league history.
Designed as New Zealands equivalent of State of Origin football, it will be a one-off north v south-styled annual battle using the Bombay Hills as the geographic divide.
Set to be staged for the first time on October 4 next year the eve of the National Rugby Leagues grand final the concept has already won backing from several NRL clubs approached so far.
This is enormously exciting for rugby league in this country, said New Zealand Rugby League chairman Andrew Chalmers.
The Kiwi Roots innovation will give us an ingredient that has been missing at the top end of the game.
National director of football Graham Lowe said Kiwi Roots would involve players from the NRL, the English Super League and those based in New Zealand.
The NRL clubs I have spoken to all support the idea of their New Zealand-eligible players being involved in our origin match, he said.