League: NZ-Britain match stripped of test status

The New Zealand-Great Britain rugby league match at St Helens on June 27 has been stripped of test status.

Unable to pick any top Kiwis from the National Rugby League, the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) has downgraded the game arranged last month to help both teams prepare for the Tri-Nations.

British coach Brian Noble is still expected to field his strongest side against the New Zealand 13.

"We originally thought we might get half a dozen NRL players released, but it's an uphill battle and we have had a good look at it again," NZRL president Sel Bennett said.

He said the nucleus of the New Zealand 13 would be drawn from British Super League clubs but up to four young players with emphasis on the inside backs and fullback would travel from the southern hemisphere.

One who has been confirmed is Parramatta stand-off Jeremy Smith, who has made several first-grade appearances for the Eels this season.

Stacey Jones, who was not available for last Friday's Anzac test at Brisbane because of a broken arm, was expected to resume playing for French club Les Catalans next week and would be an automatic inclusion in the New Zealand 13.

The lack of suitable inside backs to succeed the 40-test veteran Jones was exposed when London-based Thomas Leuluai struggled in Brisbane.

- NZPA