Four Nations set stage for NZ teams   20 Aug 2014

This year's Rugby League Four Nations will provide the catalyst for five New Zealand representative sides - not just the NZ Kiwis - to showcase their talents on the international stage.

While the national men's side face formidable opposition from the Kangaroos, England and Toa Samoa on centrestage, others will also take advantage of their opportunities in curtain-raisers to the main acts.

The Kiwi Ferns women have a chance to avenge their 2013 World Cup defeat at the hands of the Australian Jillaroos, when they take on their trans-Tasman rivals at Wollongong, November 9, in the build-up to the Australia v Samoa men's match.

But NZ Rugby League has also confirmed three other fixtures that will see national teams in action.

•November 1, NZ 16s take on Samoa 16s as an appetiser to the clash between their respective senior sides at Whangarei's Toll Stadium.

•November 2, NZ Police cross the Tasman to face their Australian counterparts, before the Kangaroos v England encounter at Melbourne's AAMI Stadium.

•November 8, NZ Universities clash with a South Island Selection, warming up the crowd for NZ Kiwis v England at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin.

"There are some exciting benefits of hosting a major international event like this," says NZRL chief executive Phil Holden.

"There's a legacy aspect, a chance to energise the grassroots of our sport and also to provide opportunities for everyone to progress down their chosen pathways.

"For some of these players and coaches, these games will represent their first national team experience and their biggest audience so far.

"They'll be performing in some iconic sporting stadiums and we hope this will be an unforgettable moment in their careers.”

Tickets are now available for all three NZ-hosted Four Nations games, plus the Kiwis v Australia clash in Brisbane, October 25. Check out the schedule and ticket outlets here.

ENDS

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