League: Kiwis test against England in Denver confirmed

Adam Blair and his Kiwis are set to make new fans in Denver. Photo / Photosport

The Kiwis' global experiment has started.

As reported in the Herald on Sunday last week, the Kiwis will face England in Denver in June.

It will be the first of three matches in North America, with the two nations also set to meet in 2019 and 2020.

New Zealand Rugby League chairman Reon Edwards emphasised that the test is an important step for the sport's international development.

"Rugby League is making impressive strides in the United States and Canada," said Edwards.

"This test match is an opportunity to showcase the highest level of our sport in the North American market, which has significant participation and commercial potential. NZRL has worked with the Rugby Football League and the Rugby League International Federation on this, agreeing to play a New Zealand-England Test in the United States each year for the next three years."

The famed Mile High Stadium (capacity 76,000), which is home to the Denver Broncos, will host the historic match.

Former Kiwis captain Simon Mannering is backing the idea.

"I think it's a great concept and one I wish was around five years ago when I was a bit younger," said Mannering.

"Growing our game internationally has to be a priority — think of the opportunities we could create for our game if it was a genuine international sport played all over the world. I know it'll be tough for some NRL clubs to see the importance at first, but if we really care about the game, then I think it's something we have to support. I definitely will."

The NZRL has also confirmed that the Kangaroos will play in New Zealand for the first time since 2014. From this year the ANZAC fixture will move to the end of the season, and alternate annually between Australia and New Zealand.

A rematch of the Rugby League Women's World Cup final between the Kiwi Ferns and the Jillaroos will feature on the ANZAC Test programme, together with the Junior Kiwis taking on the Junior Kangaroos.

The three-test series in England announced late 2017 will be followed by a one-off test in France.

In 2016 the 2025 Rugby League World Cup was provisionally awarded to North America, with the United States and Canada to co-host.

Kiwis' 2018 test programme
Saturday 23 June 2018; Kiwis v England; Denver, Colorado, USA
Saturday 13 October 2018; Kiwis v Australia; Auckland, NZ
Saturday 27 October 2018; England v Kiwis; Hull, England
Saturday 3 November 2018; England v Kiwis; Liverpool, England
Sunday 11 November 2018; England v Kiwis; Leeds, England
Saturday 17 November 2018; France v Kiwis; venue TBC

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