Wayne Bennett fully behind American dream

Drew Darbyshire

England coach Wayne Bennett said it is important that rugby league expands its roots to the United States.

England will face New Zealand in a mid-season Test on Saturday at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado.

The 2025 Rugby League World Cup will be staged in the United States and Canada and Bennett thinks it is important that more international matches should be played there ahead of the tournament getting underway in seven years time.

He said: “There is going to be a World Cup here in 2025, so it is important that we start to play a lot more football over here, so the American people get to understand what rugby league is and how it is played.

“We have been around for over 100 years now but we are still playing in the same places we have always played.

“It is important that we get out there and showcase the game and let’s hope that in 100 years time that there are a couple of good teams coming out of America.”