Gallop denies Sydney Four Nations snub

NRL boss David Gallop says the decision to schedule just one rugby league Test in Sydney next year is not a snub to NSW fans.

Preliminary schedules for next year's Four Nations suggest Australia will play just one match - against minnows Papua New Guinea - in Sydney.

Melbourne has already secured the Anzac Test against New Zealand and the Four Nations match against England, while Brisbane is the unbackable favourite to host the tournament final at Suncorp Stadium.

Auckland has been given provisional approval to host the tournament opener between the Kiwis and Kangaroos, meaning the PNG game could be Sydneysiders' only chance to see Australia in action next year.

But Gallop says the decision is more about promoting the game nationally than snubbing NSW-based fans.

"The reality is that these big events are sought after," he told AAP.

"We need to take them where we can maximise our opportunity. It doesn't mean we're turning our back on Sydney.

"There's plenty of rugby league played in Sydney but at a time when other codes are actually adding other teams to their competition it's important that we look at our geographical position.

"Taking games to new areas is part of our strategy."

Gallop also urged Sydney fans to get behind the idea of watching the Kangaroos take on the Kumuls, saying the match would still be a worthy spectacle.

"Any time the Kangaroos play, it's a great sporting event because of the skill of our players and the chance to see the real stars of the game playing together," he said.

"PNG are passionate, it's a national game and I'm sure that it'll be a great carnival atmosphere at a game like that.

"People will enjoy it."

- AAP