NZRL - World Cup preparation

As the 2008 Rugby League World Cup draws closer and closer, the Kiwis have two important matches to play here in New Zealand as part of their build up.

Firstly the All Golds take on the New Zealand Maori in New Plymouth on Sunday 12 October, and then the Kiwis take on Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday 18 October.

The October appearance of the All Golds jersey on New Zealand soil will be for the first time since 1908. The first modern day All Golds match took place in the UK in October 2007, followed by the Kiwis team wearing the commemorative strip against Australia in the centenary test held in Sydney in May of this year.

The game will also commemorate 100 years of Maori Rugby League, an occasion that has also been marked by the release of 100 Years: Maori Rugby League 1908-2008 penned by renowned rugby league historians John Coffey and Bernie Wood.

The second pre World Cup home match to be played takes place on Saturday 18 October at Mt Smart Stadium, when the Kiwis will take on Tonga.