NRL-Based England Players Support Denver Test Vs. New Zealand

Head coach Wayne Bennett and Australia-based players including Sam Burgess and Gareth Widdop backed England's test against New Zealand in Denver, despite "safety concerns," according to the BBC. Several National Rugby League clubs "have expressed fears over player welfare because Denver's Mile High Stadium is 5,280 feet above sea level." The fixture is scheduled for June 23. A statement issued on behalf of Bennett and "England's eight leading NRL players" read, "We would like to place on record our absolute support. England chief medical officer, Dr Chris Brookes, has made it clear to us that he has no additional concerns with this game being played in Denver." The statement was also signed by St. George Illawarra's James Graham, Newcastle Knights' Chris Heighington and Canberra Raiders players Elliott Whitehead and Josh Hodgson (BBC, 3/26).