The international representative rugby league season begins tonight with the Trans-Tasman double-header launching seven games LIVE and FREE on Nine, 9Gem and 9Now.

At 7.30pm AEDT on Nine, 9Gem and 9Now, Australia play New Zealand at WIN Stadium in Wollongong, seeking revenge for their 26-24 loss in the test match in Auckland last year.

Coach Mal Meninga has selected five players to debut for the Kangaroos, including young Payne Haas, Nick Cotric, Jack Wighton, Josh Addo-Carr and Paul Vaughan. With plenty of new blood and star power from the NSW and Queensland State of Origin squads, the Australian team ripples with attacking potency

The Kiwis – captained by the evergreen Benji Marshall – are confident they can counter-attack anything Australia produces, with danger men like Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Ken Maumalo, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Jamayne Isaako and Shaun Johnson.

With Rugby League Hall of Fame commentator, the “Voice” of the game, Ray Warren, calling the action, this clash is shaping as one of the biggest and best games of football this year.

Before the men’s test match the Australian and New Zealand women square off at 5.30pm AEDT on Gem and 9Now – a clash that follows a thrilling NRLW season.

Ali Brigginshaw will captain the Jillaroos who have plenty of strike weapons such as Dally M female player of the year, Jess Sergis, and prolific tryscorer Isabelle Kelly.

The Kiwi Ferns love nothing more than a tough victory over the Aussies and they have one of the best players in the world, dual international Honey Hireme-Smiler, and a forward pack full of firepower.

Following the Trans-Tasman tests, the British Lions, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea will join in the action in a series of tantalising match-ups for The Oceania Cup (see schedule below).

As recent history has shown, nothing tops the passion shown in these clashes, from the vocal fans to the traditional pre-game haka and war cries of the South Pacific nations. It will ensure there is plenty of electrifying rugby league still to come in 2019.

For further information please contact Nine Publicity.

Friday, October 25, 2019