Newly-crowned Great Britain coach Brian Noble and Bulls skipper Robbie Paul were among the dignitaries as rugby league's Gillette Tri-Nations was officially launched at a glitzy function in London yesterday.

The pair were joined by Australia coach Wayne Bennett, who came up with the original concept for the tournament.

Both Noble and Bennett said they were determined to return international rugby league to its rightful place at the pinnacle of the game, while Paul warned British fans not to underestimate the controversy-ridden Kiwis.

"We are never more dangerous than when we are down," he said.

Bradford fans won't have far to travel for the final, which is to be held at Elland Road on November 27.

Rugby league will return to the 42,000-capacity Leeds venue for the first time since the third Test between Great Britain and Australia in 1997.

The tournament kicks off in New Zealand on October 16, when the Kiwis take on the Kangaroos, before moving to Britain, where the same teams will play at Loftus Road the following week.

The City of Manchester Stadium, built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, will stage rugby league for the first time when Great Britain open their campaign against world champions Australia on October 30.

Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium, Wigan's JJB Stadium and the new Kingston Communication Stadium in Hull are the other venues for the group matches.

Dates and venues - Game 1: New Zealand v Australia, Saturday, October 16 (Venue in New Zealand/Australia tbc). Game 2: Australia v New Zealand, Saturday, October 23 (Loftus Road Stadium, London, 6.15pm). Game 3: Great Britain v Australia, Saturday, October 30 (The City of Manchester Stadium, 6.15pm). Game 4: Great Britain v New Zealand, Saturday, November 6 (The McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield, 6.15pm). Game 5: Great Britain v Australia, Saturday, November 13 (JJB Stadium, Wigan, 6.15pm). Game 6: Great Britain v New Zealand, Saturday, November 20 (The Kingston Communications Stadium, Hull, 6.15pm). Game 7: The Gillette Tri-Nations Final, Saturday, November 27 (Elland Road Stadium, Leeds, 6.15pm).