Kiwis unhappy over Derwent Park

New Zealand have questioned why their Four Nations clash with Scotland was played at Derwent Park in Workington.

The Kiwis and Bravehearts played out a historic 18-18 draw there last night.

Now known as Zebra Claims Stadium, the ground holds 10,000 with 1,200 seats. It was built in 1956 and is home to Workington Town as well as the Workington Comets in motorcycle speedway.

New coach David Kidwell and several of his players have asked why the game was played at the Cumbrian venue.

“We are always looking to grow the game and we want to be part of that but I really think the rugby league federation needs to look at this,” Kidwell told The New Zealand Herald.

“We have some world-class players out there so we need world-class fields to make sure that this game, test match football, stays where it wants to be, at the pinnacle.”

The match was played in wet and windy conditions.

Featherstone’s Kiwi centre Misi Taulapapa tweeted: “Why would you play a international game in Workington? #WhatsRLcoming2 It’s a joke”.

Kidwell admitted the Scots had more energy than his side last night.

“They had more energy at times,” he said.

“A couple of penalties on the fifth tackle really hurt us, especially when we had good linespeed down there.

“We pride ourselves on our defence but we let them get back into the game and they took that opportunity.”