10 Aug 2015

ANZAC rugby league test dropped?

3:23 pm on 10 August 2015

New Zealand Rugby League is still trying to work out whether the ANZAC rugby league test has been dropped as part of a new NRL television deal which will come into effect in 2018.

Channel Nine has secured the rights to broadcast the NRL from 2018 to 2022 and it appears the

The deal seemingly means the end of the ANZAC test with a statement from the NRL saying their will be a window for international matches at the end of the season.

The statement has taken the NZRL by surprise and spokesman says they are trying to clarify the situation.

The Kiwis celebrate a rare ANZAC test win over Australia.

The Kiwis celebrate a rare ANZAC test win over Australia. Photo: Photosport

Under the new deal the second match in each State of Origin series will be played on a Sunday night as part of a stand alone weekend of representative football which will also feature Pacific Nation Tests.

The premiership will be played over 25 rounds, one less than the current model, while international rugby league will be given a new priority and played in a dedicated window after the NRL season.