After exiting the Rugby League World Cup 2017 in just the quarter final against Fiji, losing their three match test series to England last year and last night’s 26-4 Trans-Tasman Test loss to Australia, new Zealand find themselves slipping away from the top International teams in terms of win rate and reputation.
Anything short of at least one convincing victory against Great Britain and New Zealand could be in need of a real revamp.
For many years Australia and New Zealand have been seen as the undisputed two best International Rugby League sides, however since New Zealand dropped out of the 2017 RLWC early England’s form has risen, taking Australia down to the wire in the 2017 RLWC Final and defeating New Zealand in their three match series 12 months ago.
If this Great Britain side (which is full of English players) can beat New Zealand in this two match series, then go on to beat a reputable Tongan side, then that may cement England/Great Britain as a top two International Rugby League side.
