A date is set for the All Blacks to face off against the Kangaroos in a 14-a-side hybrid union-league clash, according to an Australian report.
New Zealand Rugby boss Mark Robinson confirmed today that his team were in discussions over a historic fixture with the Kangaroos, but the priority remained to play international rugby fixtures in 2020.
"But we've had the option put to us of this hybrid game with the Kangaroos and it's one of many different scenarios in a unique year like this that we are considering with being innovative and having a focus on trying to consider revenue-generating ideas at this time given the financial climate that we're in."
Mark Robinson said the priority is international rugby in 2020, but they’re also considering all revenue generating ideas.
Robinson said NZ Rugby had been approached about a hybrid fixture in 2017.
"At that stage for various reasons it wasn't taken any further, we're interested in learning more as we are with a range of things that are being put to us at the moment."
"We'll go through the proper process in terms of making a decision if we feel it's got merit to take further."
Saturday, December 5 has been agreed to for the cross-code clash, according to Brisbane’s Courier Mail.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said there were serious negotiations between the rival codes.
“We are still in talks but obviously news of this has got out,” he said.
“I’m keen to make this happen. We want to play the All Blacks, hopefully we can get the concept off the ground.
“The best from our game versus the best from the New Zealand game … let’s do it.”
Manly playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans - a 15-Test Kangaroo - said he was interested in taking part in such a contest.
"Anything like that, where there's an opportunity to grow the game of rugby league and in particular at a time like now, I think it's a great idea," he said.
"I've always maintained I've love to play rep football for as long as I'm up for it. If my form provided to be there, I'd love to play something like that. It'd be unreal, great to look back on and experience something like that."
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy said the match is one he'd enjoy watching but wasn't sure how the rules would work.
"Someone said they'd have rugby union rules for one half and rugby league for another half," he said.
"I wouldn't like to be a rugby league player at the bottom of one of them mauls. That'd be an ugly place to be if you're not used to it."
AAP contributed to this report
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