An historic Test match between Mate Ma'a Tonga and the Kangaroos is closer than ever, with 1 NEWS understanding that an announcement will be made tomorrow.
Following Mate Ma'a Tonga's rise at last year's World Cup, calls for the Pacific powerhouse to face the reigning world champions have only grown louder, with either Auckland or New York mooted as a possible venue.
Speaking to 1 NEWS ahead of the Warriors' clash with the Penrith Panthers at Mt Smart Stadium two weeks ago, NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said that the game's governing body were eager to see Tonga rewarded with a clash against the Kangaroos.
"I made some comments this week about wanting Tonga to play a Test match against the Kangaroos," he said.
"What I can tell you is, we've made some progress this week. We met with officials of the New Zealand Rugby League, I'm really hopeful (that) within the next week, we'll have some really good news about that game.
"I see great opportunity for the game - for the sport of rugby league - to grow, and to do that, we need more of those types of games to happen.
"We'll do everything we can to make that a reality."
Due to the sheer size of the event, Auckland's Eden Park seems the most likely venue for the clash, with Greenberg hinting as much in his comments.
"We might have to see if we can gravitate them to a bigger stage, fingers crossed."
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