GREAT Britain coach David Waite wants to give the sporting public of East Lancashire a game to remember at Ewood Park on Saturday - promising a spectacle for all the family.

International rugby league comes to Blackburn Rovers' home with Waite's side taking on the touring New Zealanders and he is sure that new devotees will be won by the 13-a-side code as Ewood stages the opening 'Don't Drink Drive' Test.

"We're expecting a lot of people who are fresh to rugby league to come to the game," said Waite.

"While there will be a high percentage who are already fans of the game, because it is not too far to travel from the areas in which the game is usually played, we feel the work we have done on development in the area will mean there are a lot of people who will be trying it out.

"We have been into the schools and into the area and we feel that we can reach a lot of new spectators.

"And for those who come along I can assure them it will be great entertainment.

"These guys are very big, they are very skilful and our game is all about big collisions so it should certainly be a great spectacle."

And Waite was eager that they attracted fans of all ages.

"We have done a lot of work on development and tried to reach all different groups and I am just hoping that this is the one test of the series that is remembered as the family Test," he said.

"I would love for loads of families to get along and take in the game and enjoy it.

"It is a huge potential catchment area for our sport and, while it is not far from the rugby league heartland so a lot of existing fans of the game will get along there, it is a really big game for us in terms of reaching some new fans."

While Australia continue to rule the roost in terms of international rugby league, Waite was eager that his side should grasp the mantle of world number two over the three-match test series - the game at Blackburn being followed by clashes at Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium a week on Saturday and at Wigan's JJB Stadium seven days later.

And he went so far as to say if the Ewood atmosphere suited his side, they might even bring the Aussies to the stadium when the world champions tour next year.

"It is the world's number two side New Zealand taking on ourselves at who are number three so we are expecting a good response from the sporting fans in the area," said Waite.

"Our boys love a big match atmosphere and they love getting plenty of support and hopefully everyone will be cheering on the boys in the GB shirts.

"And, who knows, if we like it we might just take the world champions up there when the Australians come over next year and expose them to a game in Blackburn.

"But right now the prize up for grabs is to be number two in the world and that will be decided by this series."

And a win in the opening game at Ewood would be the perfect first step along that road.

Or as Waite put it: "We want to draw first blood - not spill some."