NZRL in talks to stage tests against Samoa/Aus in 2018

[Burns]

The days of Australia staging almost every transtasman test are seemingly nearing an end, with New Zealand set to share hosting rights from 2018 when the NRL's new broadcast deal begins.

Australian Rugby League Commission boss John Grant said both countries are poised to host alternate tests between the Kangaroos and Kiwis once the current broadcast deal expires at the end of 2017, with the New Zealand Rugby League hopeful of hosting a match against Australia at the end of 2018.

And the NZRL have also begun talks with Samoa about playing a mid-year test against the Kiwis in 2018 as a replacement for the annual Anzac test, which will discontinue after next year.

The NZRL have often proposed the idea of their own Origin concept but this always proved too difficult. They now have their sights on a mid-year test in 2018 as a replacement for the Anzac test, with Samoa a likely opponent. Despite the long distance and difficulties around travel, a test against England is another option.

"We've had an approach to, depending on when the Origin window is, maybe play Samoa around their Independence Day in June," said Hayton. "So there are opportunities there and we have to be open to them."

Full Article: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/league/news/article.cfm?c_id=79&objectid=11593032

Well worth a read, features Mal discussing the international game, and general talk on the ANZAC series.

Annual match against Samoa and/or England would be a fantastic 'legacy' to begin after the RLWC 2017.

 

[RL The greatest game]

Full Article: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/league/news/article.cfm?c_id=79&objectid=11593032

Well worth a read, features Mal discussing the international game, and general talk on the ANZAC series.

Annual match against Samoa and/or England would be a fantastic 'legacy' to begin after the RLWC 2017.

I for one we love the Kiwis to host more test matches.

 

[adamkungl]

Why exactly do they need to wait for the broadcast deal to expire to see their team on home soil?

 

[jim_57]

Like the idea of a mid-year test against a pacific side. Maybe to keep it interesting the winner of the Pacific cup gets a game again NZ every year?