IT'S great news for York folk that the final of this year's inaugural Gillette Tri-Nations Tournament will be coming to nearby Leeds.

The Rugby Football League this week confirmed that Elland Road, home of Leeds United, which last hosted rugby league in November 1997 when Great Britain played Australia, will stage the final on November 27.

It's also great for rugby league that Great Britain's opening game - against Australia on October 30 - will go to Manchester City's magnificent new stadium at Eastlands. City's old ground, Maine Road, staged several rugby matches, and this game at the City of Manchester Stadium will continue that tradition.

Let's hope now that we as supporters can get behind the tournament and sell out each venue to show that international rugby league is a special thing.

Many pundits believe the RFL have got it right, also, in giving London the game between Australia and New Zealand, which will be held at Loftus Road on October 23, one week after the tournament opens when the same two nations clash down under - on the day of Super League's Grand Final - before coming over to Britain.

The tournament's other venues are Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium, Wigan's JJB Stadium and the KC Stadium in Hull.

RFL executive chairman Richard Lewis said: "The choice of venues for the Gillette Tri-Nations reflects the importance of this exciting new tournament.

"In terms of staging international rugby league in the UK, the Tri-Nations represents a significant increase in both scale and scope and it is gratifying that the sport continues to progress in this way."

The full details of the tournament are:

Game 1: New Zealand v Australia - Saturday, October 16, venue TBC.

Game 2: Australia v New Zealand - Saturday, October 23, Loftus Road, London, ko 6.15pm.

Game 3: Great Britain v Australia - Saturday, October 30, City of Manchester Stadium, ko 6.15pm.

Game 4: Great Britain v New Zealand - Saturday, November 6, The McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield, ko 6.15pm.

Game 5: Great Britain v Australia - Saturday, November 13, JJB Stadium, Wigan, ko 6.15pm.

Game 6: Great Britain v New Zealand - Saturday November 20, Kingston Communications Stadium, Hull, ko 6.15pm.

Gillette Tri-Nations Final: Saturday November 27, Elland Road, Leeds, ko 6.15pm.

Supporters wishing to reserve tickets and make enquiries should contact Rugby League Events on (0870) 990 1313.

Updated: 10:17 Saturday, May 22, 2004