Canberra to host rugby league Test between Australia and New Zealand

AUSTRALIA will play a rugby league international in Canberra for the first time next April.

AUSTRALIA will play a rugby league international in Canberra for the first time next April, it has been announced.

The Kangaroos will meet New Zealand in the early season Test to celebrate 100 years of Canberra as Australia's capital.

Four Nations champions Australia will meet the world champion Kiwis in the opening Test of the season, which will conclude with the 2013 World Cup to be held in the United Kingdom, Ireland and France.

Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens said the Canberra Stadium Test would form an important part of his preparation for the end of year showpiece.

"Every Test is special and we will be doing everything we can to make sure we win this clash, but with 2013 being a World Cup year it certainly adds to the importance of this match,'' Sheens said.

The Test will be played on a stand-alone representative weekend on a date yet to be confirmed.

Canberra has previously hosted a match during the 2008 rugby league World Cup in which France defeated Scotland 36-18.