Kiwis to play England in Denver

The Kiwis will play a ground-breaking test against England in Colorado on June 23.

It is the first time the countries - ranked No2 and No3 in the world - have met in the United States.

New Zealand Rugby League chairman Reon Edwards said the match was an important step for the code's international development.

''Rugby league is making impressive strides in the United States and Canada,'' Edwards said.

''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.''

Denver's Mile High Stadium, which has a capacity of 76,000 and is home of 2016 NFL Super Bowl champion the Denver Broncos, will host the game.

Kiwis stalwart Simon Mannering is excited by the match.

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

''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 Kiwis will host Australia for the first time since 2014.

The Anzac fixture will move to the end of the season, and alternate annually between Australia and New Zealand.

A rematch of the Women's World Cup final between the Kiwi Ferns and the Jillaroos will feature on the Anzac test programme.

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

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