New Zealand and Samoa emerge as possible 2020 opponents for England
ENGLAND could face Sonny Bill Williams next mid-season as they may play New Zealand or Samoa in a 2020 rugby league Test.
That depends if the Kiwis can clear their calendar. If they cannot, Samoa and the Cook Islands have put their hand up to take them on.
The Rugby Football League has told Super League they intend to organise an international for the weekend of June 21 when Australia’s best compete in the second State of Origin match.
And SunSport has learned facing the Kiwis is a ‘possibility’ but only if they can move a planned Oceania Cup match.
It is believed they are being lined up to face Tonga at that time but are set to approach international bosses about moving it to the end of the year.
If they can, that clears the path for a Test against England. If they cannot, the only options appear to be Fiji or the Cook Islands.
And Cooks’ RL boss Charles Carlson told SunSport: “This event will certainly be fantastic for the Cook Islands given the opportunity.”
Yet Samoa, who want Williams on board after he returned to rugby league, may also have a window.
And Rugby League Samoa chairman Geoff Brown said: “Samoa would love to play England mid-season.
“We'd be a great opponent as we're looking to topple more competitive nations. Let's hope they see Samoa as a good challenge.”
Whether Wayne Bennett will be in charge of England when they play will be decided early next year.
RFL director of rugby Kevin Sinfield insists there will be no knee-jerk reaction after three defeats from three Great Britain matches on the current tour.
And chief executive Ralph Rimmer says a contract will be part of a debrief, including the way the Lions’ return has been handled.
He said: “Wayne's current contract is up at the end of the year.
“I would imagine it is perfectly logical that we would sit down and do a full debrief of the tour - all aspects of the tour, when it's over and done with.
“It will be early next year.”
