Anzac test beneficial for a host of reasons

The 1998 match was won by the Kiwis 22-16 at North Harbour Stadium but the next 10 were held in Australia - all of which were lost.

New Zealand will almost certainly host the Anzac test in 2015.

After barely seeing the Kiwis over the past decade, local fans should have the chance to see their team again in six months following the three-game stint during the Four Nations tournament.

The 2015 schedule is yet to be released but it's understood the NRL have agreed to stage the annual game in New Zealand, with Eden Park the most likely venue.

Only two of the 14 games have been played in New Zealand since the Anzac test concept was initiated in 1997.

The 1998 match was won by the Kiwis 22-16 at North Harbour Stadium but the next 10 were held in Australia - all of which were lost. The Anzac test returned to New Zealand in 2012 (the Kangaroos won 20-12 at Eden Park) before being hosted by Canberra and Sydney in the past two years.

It will be welcome news for the New Zealand Rugby League, who have identified having more tests in this country as a major goal.

The Four Nations has been a major shot in the arm for the sport here. It has given fans a chance to see their heroes in the flesh and players an opportunity to realise who they are playing for.

Many players, including Kieran Foran, Dean Whare and Lewis Brown, had never played a test in this country before the game in Whangarei.

"It's essential the Kiwis play more matches at home," NZRL chief executive Phil Holden said. "It's massively important in order for us to grow our game and grow the emotional connection between our team and its country.

"We are having conversations with Australia about having our team playing in our country more often than not. That means that how we have historically approached something like the Anzac test, for example, we need to turn that on its head. It's not working for us, probably not for them, and there's a better solution that allows us to have our team at home in our country."

The success of the Four Nations - on and off the field - should also boost confidence on both sides of the Tasman about staging matches in New Zealand. For many years, the NZRL were happy for Australia to host the Anzac test because it was an important source of revenue that couldn't be guaranteed by playing here.

But the increasing competitiveness of the Kiwis and the impressive crowds across three weekends make regular tests on this side of the Tasman much more viable.

"The [NZRL] has demonstrated its capability over the last few weeks in terms of delivering an event so I have no doubt that, if we host it, it'll be a cracker," Holden said. "And for me that particular game, on the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings at Anzac Cove, would have huge emotional significance and connection for our country. It's a very important event."