WANDERERS' state-of-the-art Reebok Stadium is set to launch Bolton's international rugby league career in the autumn.

The Reebok has been earmarked as the venue for one of a three Test series against New Zealand in November.

Although plans for the Kiwi tour have still be to finalised, RL chiefs have indicated that the Reebok and the similarly-styled McAlpine Stadium in Huddersfield will stage the two northern Tests of the series.

A third venue is being sought in London as an alternative to Wembley. RL officials are expected to visit Watford's Vicarage Road ground, now home of Saracens RU, to view facilities.

If the Reebok's selection is confirmed it will follow in the footsteps of its predecessor at Burnden in hosting top RL games - but the town's first at international level.

Great Britain's decision to put together a Kiwi tour follows the collapse of the proposed 1998 World Cup and the failure to agree an Ashes series in Australia.

FORMER Leigh second rower, Huddersfield chairman and president, Welshman Mick Murphy, makes his TV acting debut in the spring. He plays a thug in an Emmerdale special.

Since cutting his RL ties, Murphy has turned to acting and after-dinner speaking.

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