The NRL has unveiled the biggest representative round in its history, with a total of five matches to feature over a single weekend in June.
Kicking off with the women’s State of Origin match in Canberra on Friday, June 24, the round also includes a Test match between New Zealand and Tonga in Auckland the following day, which will be the first elite-level rugby league match played in New Zealand since the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
On the same day Campbelltown will host a double header with Samoa to play Cook Islands and PNG facing Fiji.
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The round wraps up on Sunday, June 26 in Perth, with the second State of Origin match between New South Wales and Queensland.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said the round will showcase the best the game has to offer.
“The commission has made it clear that growing international rugby league would be a priority and we are delivering on that promise,” he said.
“Representative Round will provide a return to the excitement and national pride that Test matches produce. The Pacific Test matches will be vital for these nations as they prepare for the World Cup later this year and importantly, for our fans, a chance to watch their heroes live in their national colours. The passion of the Pacific Nations and their fans is something unique to rugby league.
“This is part of a long term plan to grow the international game in conjunction with International Rugby League and member countries. We’ve seen with the growth and success of Tonga in recent years and we want to capitalise on the potential depth of our Test playing nations.”
NRL boss Andrew Abdo said the weekend would be one for fans to savour.
“To have State of Origin and Test matches across one round for the final time before we enter a new cycle from 2023 of a dedicated international window in October is exciting for the game,” he said.
“I’d like to thank clubs, the IRL, RLPA and the various international bodies for working together to make the round a reality.”
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