Tri-Nations fixtures confirmed

Confirmation of the 2005 Tri-Nations schedule has been revealed following a meeting of the Rugby League International Federation in Sydney.

This year's tournament will begin with Australian hosting New Zealand in mid-October before travelling across the Tasman sea for a return fixture.

Five matches will then take place in the UK, including the final, and sell-out crowds have been predicted.

Great Britain will open with a match against New Zealand on October 29 before facing Australia a week later.

Two more matches against the southern hemisphere super powers will follow and the top two from this league section will meet in the final on November 26.

Venues for the matches will be announced shortly but RLIF and Australian Rugby League chairman Colin Love has high hopes the tournament will match the success of last year's event, which saw Australia beat Great Britain in the final.

Love also confirmed that the 2006 Tri-Nations is expected to be staged Down Under, with the final being held in Australia.

He told www.nrl.com.au: "Over 180,000 fans went to Tri Nations games alone in 2004 and when you take into account the Anzac Test crowd we were well over the 200,000 mark for the year.

"The standard of competition at Tri-Nations level commanded widespread enthusiasm from fans and attracted significant media attention.

"There's no doubt there is a real appetite for the international game and it's great to see sponsors recognising that.

"It's now also certain that the 2006 Tri-Nations tournament will be staged in Australia and New Zealand.

"There has also been discussion regarding the historic anniversary of the All Golds game in 2007 and the World Cup in 2008."