New Zealand will host at least 5 matches at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, with New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Phil Holden still holding out hope the final may be played in Auckland.
New Zealand and Australia's joint proposal beat out an audacious bid from South Africa to host the tournament.
Holden says all of the Kiwis pool games will be played in New Zealand as well as at least two matches in the knockout phase.
Holden concedes it'll be a long shot to host the final with Sydney's Olympic Park, which holds 23,000 more fans than Eden Park, the likely venue.
