New Zealand Rugby League

New Zealand Rugby League had plans for Kiwis games against Australia and Tonga but NZRL chief executive Greg Peters said aside from the travel challenges associated with Covid-19, there was concerns about player welfare following an extended NRL season.

After attempts to stage games in New Zealand and Australia faced roadblocks the matches have been called off.

Kearney is stepping down from the role after eight years in charge to take up the role of Warriors coach.

The NZRL chief executive Alex Hayton says Kearney has always been open about wanting to coach another NRL club taking up a role at the club where the used to play means a lot to him.

"Stephen wants to concentrate on his new full-time responsibilities and feels he cannot commit 100% to the Kiwis at this time, ending his eight-year reign as national team coach.

"He leaves a legacy that will be hard to match, both as one of our greatest players and coaches.

Prime Minister John Key will be joined by Sport Minister Jonathan Coleman, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse, Corrections Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga, and Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne

Key said Samoa and New Zealand enjoyed a special relationship, including a shared love of rugby.

Key was "delighted" to be attending the match.

"This visit provides an opportunity to not only recognise this huge occasion for Samoa, but also to build on talks Prime Minister Tuilaepa and I had in Apia last year on a range of political and economic issues."