rugby league

England captain Sean O'Loughlin scored a late try in the wet Wigan stadium, after forward Elliot Whitehead scored twice to the visitors' own three tries.

O'Loughlin powered over eight minutes from time to put England 20-6 ahead against the world's top-ranked side, but the Kiwis fought back in the closing minutes, Samoan-born Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Jordan Kahu grabbing tries to set up a tense finale.

However England hung on to seal their first series win over either World Cup winners Australia or No.1-ranked New Zealand since 2007.

Packer is hoping to revive his NRL career after signing with the St George Dragons in October.

However the 26-year-old is reportedly facing deportation under new Australian immigration laws after being jailed for two years in 2013 for assault.

The office of immigration minister Peter Dutton says Packer's case is being reviewed but no decision has been made at this stage.

Grant says the government's decision is nothing to do with them but he's satisfied Packer has done enough to renew his career.

 Super League club Salford have announced the signing of Daniel Vidot from Brisbane on a two-year contract.

The versatile Samoan international, who can play centre or wing, will link up with his new teammates for the 2016/17 season.

The powerful 25-year-old continues Salford's rebuilding, with Justin Carney, Mark Flanagan, Robert Lui and Ben Murdoch-Masila having already been brought in.

The Kukis haven't played a match since the 2013 World Cup, having been overlooked for the first three years of the Pacific Test programme.

They face Tonga later this month in a winner-takes-all qualifier for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

This Saturday's match-up against Niue is a chance to test players and combinations but coach Alex Chan says it's just nice to finally put a Cook Islands team back on the park.

The Samoa team features a number of players who took part in the Commonwealth Youth Games sevens competition in Apia earlier this month.

Samoa have never beaten New Zealand in five schools internationals dating back to 1999, while they've lost each of their seven matches against Australia since 2001.

The second round of matches is on Monday with Samoa and Australia Schools going head to head, with Samoa to face the Australian Schools Barbarians on Friday.

Last year New Zealand won the annual Tri-Series in Wellington against Australia and Fiji.