NZ-GB match
will carry Test status: NZRL

New Zealand Rugby League chairman Selwyn Bennett has denied reports that next month's match between the Kiwis and Great Britain will not carry full Test match status.

Bennett says the likely unavailability of NRL players for the June 27 match at St Helens will not result in it being downgraded. He says the predominantly England-based players who will make up the Kiwis side will be credited with a Test appearance in official records.

Bennett says the confusion may have been caused by statements by officials expressing frustration at the unavailability of players.