The NZ Kiwis' international rugby league schedule for 2023 has been locked in and it includes a tantilising triple-header.
Newshub understands New Zealand will be part of a Pacific Championship tri-series alongside Australia and Samoa.
Starting mid October, matches will be played on both sides of the Tasman, with a final to take place at Hamilton's FMG Stadium.
The series will be highlighted by a triple-header at Auckland's Eden Park on October 21 (Labour weekend), featuring NZ Kiwis against Samoa, the Kiwi Ferns taking on Tonga, and the return of the New Zealand A team from a 17-year hiatus to face Tonga A.
There's genuine intention in international rugby league to grow the Pacific game, particularly at a time when Māori and Pasifika participation is arguably at an all-time high.
Capitalising on Samoa’s success at last year's World Cup in England is also paramount, after they qualified for their first-ever final with a dramatic win over the hosts.
There's no doubt that this sort of occasion will go a long way to ensuring that momentum continues.
The NRL and NZRL are expected to formally announce the event later this week.
