Rugby League: NZRL to push for Tri-Nations revamp

SYDNEY - The future of the rugby league Tri-Nations competition involving the code's three powerhouses will be thrashed out here today with New Zealand and Australia expressing reservations about the tournament's scheduling.

Great Britain plans to host the series annually in October at the end of the National Rugby League season.

The Tri-Nations would see the Kiwis and Kangaroos square off twice in England and also play Great Britain twice before the two best performing teams meet in the final.

The New Zealand Rugby League initially welcomed the concept but executive chairman Selwyn Pearson is unhappy at the prospect of playing Australia in the north of England.

"I can't see the point of playing Australia up there. The English are staunch about their team -- would they go and watch Australia and New Zealand?

"At the 2000 World Cup final there were 27 people there and nine if them were friends of the janitor.

"We owe it to our fans to play in New Zealand."

Pearson said Great Britain officials argue the Tri-Nations concept could work, drawing a parallel with rugby's version.

"They argue it's worked with rugby but all the teams are in the southern hemisphere and they play home and away, not in one country."

Pearson will state his case at a meeting of the Rugby League International Federation today, a summit where the Australian Rugby League (ARL) is also expected to express dissatisfaction with the draw.

A provisional draws sees the Kangaroos face Great Britain just three days after arriving in England.

Pearson said he was unaware of the draw but would seek clarification.

The Kiwis are already scheduled to play the Kangaroos on Anzac weekend in Brisbane and a return match in New Zealand in October.

- NZPA