The success of the recent Trans Tasman Test Series held at WIN Stadium, Wollongong in April 2009 has many anticipating the return clash in New Zealand. The series was televised on FOX Sports in Australia and Sky TV in New Zealand with commentary provided by Rugby League identities Andrew Voss and Benji Marshall.
The 2010 Trans Tasman Test Series will be held from Friday, 22 January 2010 to Sunday, 24 January 2010 at the wonderful facilities at The Trusts Stadium Waitakere, Auckland, the same venue that held the 2009 Youth Trans Tasman.
With Australia claiming both Open and Youth titles they will be looking to continue this feat as they progress towards the 2011 World Cup in Scotland. But they will face stiff opposition from the determined Kiwi teams.
Joe Sprangers, Chief Executive Officer of TNZ is optimistic about the future. “New Zealand's goals are now to win to the next Trans Tasman Series and ultimately to go on to win the World Cup in Scotland in 2011."
New Zealand bled many young players onto the international scene in the April series and are well positioned for World Cup glory. The Men’s teams in particular took it to the more fancied Aussie opponents and will only gain from the experience of the well fought series. The traditionally strong Mixed team will bounce back from a surprising loss and the Women’s team continues to show promise with limited preparation.
Australia will need to compensate for the retirements of some outstanding servants of the game including Men’s captain, Gavin Shuker and Women’s captain, Sharyn Williams who retired on a winning note in Wollongong.
Colm Maguire, Chief Executive Officer of TFA, said “We look forward to the return clash and it will continue to greatly improve the marketability of the sport and ensure higher representation for our elite players to strive for”.
More information will be provided in due course, but if you have any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact your respective national sporting organisation.
Website Editor