NZRL ease Denver test worries

New Zealand Rugby League have eased worries surrounding the scheduled Denver test match against by England by insisting preparations are coming together nicely.

The game on June 23 at Mile High Stadium has been subject of much controversy in recent weeks, with doubts over whether the NRL and its clubs would release players to play in the test.

The NZRL has now confirmed that the players’ insurance policy has been confirmed and they will continue to receive benefits that mirror the current NRL, State of Origin and ANZAC Test insurance policies.

Wests Tigers co-captain Elijah Taylor said: “Pulling on the Kiwis jersey is always an honour and privilege – it’s the pinnacle for any New Zealand Rugby League player.

“Any opportunity I get I’ll grab with both hands and I’m 100 percent committed to every Kiwi game wherever it’s played.

“I understand the NRL clubs have concerns about playing in Denver, so it’s great to see the player insurance has been sorted for the Test, along with Doctor Macleod’s reassuring words that the conditions over there don’t increase our chances of injury.

“In the camps I’ve been a part of with the Kiwis, we’ve been well looked after and I expect the Test in Denver will be no different.”

Kiwis manager Nadene Conlon has also re-iterated that player welfare and due diligence is at the forefront of planning for the game, while their doctor Greg Macleod has also allayed medical concerns, as England counterpart Chris Brookes had done previously.

Last month, England’s NRL based players signed a letter urging the competition to release players for the Denver test, which takes place on a scheduled international break weekend.