Rugby league commentator Dale Budge says it is baffling that New Zealand Rugby League want to schedule a Kiwis test against in England in Denver, when a match against Tonga in Auckland makes so much sense.
But why?
Budge believes the answer is simple - the Kiwis are scared of losing to last year's Rugby League World Cup darlings.
"The only thing I can think of, that I wrote this morning, is that I think they're scared.
READ MORE: Why a one-off test in Denver makes no sense
"I don't think they want to lose to Tonga again, I think they are concerned any chance they have of bringing the former Kiwi players back into the New Zealand fold would disappear if Tonga have any meaningful games this year.
"But none of that is even worth considering when you compare the benefit of staging of the game.
"I think there would be a far bigger appetite of a New Zealand v Tonga match. There is a huge Tongan fan base who is desperate to see their team play again."
LISTEN ABOVE AS DALE BUDGE SPEAKS WITH THE RADIO SPORT BREAKFAST