League: NRL and UK Kiwis unable to clash

The NZRL have delayed plans for a Northern Hemisphere vs Southern Hemisphere State of Origin-style game until next year.

They had hoped to stage a game in Hamilton on October 7 between United Kingdom-based Kiwis and NRL-based Kiwis as a means of preparing the side for this year's Tri Nations.

But NZRL chairman Selwyn Bennett said they had decided to postpone the match for 12 months because as many as 10 first-choice players could still be involved in the UK Super League playoffs.

The Super League finishes a fortnight later than the NRL, which stages its grand final on October 1, and Kiwis are well represented at top sides including St Helens, Leeds, Hull and Bradford. The Tri Nations kicks off on October 14.

"We put it to the guys [involved in last week's test against Great Britain] and they are all very keen on it," Bennett said. "But we don't have a window for it this year, so we will bring it in next year when we don't have the Tri Nations."

The NZRL are desperate to find something to better prepare players for internationals. They're committed to an annual mid-season test against Great Britain and Bennett said they wouldn't be "bullied" by NRL clubs next year and would pick the best players available. A skeleton Kiwi side were thumped 46-14 last week by Great Britain.

* NZRL board member Keith Pittman has resigned after last-minute moves postponed a deal that would have seen Cullen Sports finally buy the Warriors outright.

The NZRL hold a 10 per cent share in the Auckland-based club and have been in talks with Cullen Sports for months about offloading their shares.

They have also been negotiating on behalf of a Wellington consortium, led by Ramesh Dayal, which owns 15 per cent.

It's understood Pittman became frustrated by internal politics and resigned after five years in the post. The NZRL and Cullen are keen to settle the share issue soon.