Australia will open their Four Nations defence against New Zealand in a double header at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, October 25.

England and either Fiji or Samoa will play in the second game at Suncorp Stadium.

The two Pacific Island nations will play off on May 2 at Penrith for a place in the tournament.

Tim Sheens’ side will face England in Melbourne on November 2 with the Kiwis hosting Fiji or Samoa in Whangarei 24 hours earlier.

Australia’s final group game takes place in Wollongong on November 8 after the Kiwis host England in Dunedin.

The final will take place at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium.

“The Four Nations double-header at Eden Park in 2010 exceeded all expectations and we have also seen how well fans have embraced the double-header concept in the Premiership in Brisbane,” said NRL head of football Todd Greenberg.

“This is one of the great venues in sport and it will be an exciting way to launch the tournament.

“The World Cup in the United Kingdom last year showcased the growing strength of international Rugby League.

“The semi-final in particular between England and New Zealand was one of the great Test matches of all time and it will be great for fans here in Australia and New Zealand to have the opportunity to watch all four teams in action.”