Rugby League International Federation

This follows approval by the Rugby League International Federation for a Great Britain tour to the southern hemisphere next year.

The last time the Great Britain national rugby league team, nicknamed the Lions, competed was in 2007.

This was when the decision was made to focus on England, Wales and Scotland as separate sides.

Though there is still some discussion to complete on 2019, Ralph Rimmer, chief executive of the Rugby Football League, says everything looks to be moving in a positive direction.

RLIF chairman John Grant was invited to attend the NRL CEO's meeting, along with representatives of the NZRL and England's Rugby Football League, to discuss with clubs and the RLPA concerns about the flight time and recovery process for players in the Test.

The RLPA is still working through some issues with the countries but there is an acceptance that the Test will go ahead after the NZRL outlined details of the insurance coverage and medical processes for Kiwis players.

Chairman of the PNGRFL, Sandis Tsaka said Wani’s appointment to referee a Test match is a massive boost to the game development.

“This is a vote of confidence by the RLIF to the development of our game in PNG. It is a show of confidence in our standards and programs, especially the training and accreditation systems developed and established in partnership with the NRL and QRL over the past few years.

 “We have been investing in our referees and coaches over the past several years and the fruits of this investment are showing with Paul’s appointment.”

Tsaka said one of the main topics on the agenda is the International Calendar for the next five years starting in 2018.

“This is part of the Rugby League International Board’s aim to align with the Global Conversion Strategy to support the growth of international rugby league,” said Tsaka.

The chairman said this will also be the first time for all Pacific members to meet.