NZ, Samoa to meet for first time in a test

New Zealand will play Samao in a rugby league test for the first time as part of its warmup to this year's Four Nations tournament.

The teams will meet at Auckland's Mount Smart Stadium on Oct. 16, seven days before New Zealand's opening match against England in a Four Nations tournament which also involves Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Despite playing international rugby union for decades, Samoa has only played international rugby league since 1988 and had competed at World Cups since 1995. Samoan Rugby League chairman Peter Paul said the October test was an important step forward for his nation.

"With such close relationships between the two countries and so many of our players making it in the best league competitions in the world, it is very important that we continue to offer them the chance to shine at an international level," he said.

"We were disappointed to miss out on the Pacific Cup last year and we need tests against the world's best to ensure we are better prepared for such tournaments in the future."