NEWPORT is set to have a team in the totalRL.com Welsh Rugby League Conference next season alongside Torfaen Tigers.

The side, to be based at Pill Harriers RFC's Courtybella Terrace ground, are expected to get the official green light from Rugby League officials tonight after an inspection of their ground and facilities earlier this week.

The Harriers view the venture as a way of playing the game during the close season for the Union code. It was the success of the Tigers that inspired the Harriers to try playing the 13-a-side game.

Club chairman Brian Cromwell, who will also act as the chairman for now of the League side if the go-ahead is given - that is expected to be just a rubber-stamping - said: "We have already had a couple of meetings about it.

"There are quite a few players in the clubs around the area of south Gwent and a lot of them do nothing in the summer.

"So we would like to draw on them to play Rugby League in the same way as Torfaen Tigers have drawn on the Rugby Union clubs of north Gwent."

One of Pill's players, Scott Heirene, has already had experience of the Welsh Conference, having played for Rumney Rhinos last season, but they are merging with Cardiff Demons next year.

Other local players have also had experience in the Conference, but some of them thought that Rumney was too far to travel for a game each week.

Cromwell added: "Now they can have it on their doorsteps."

Wales team manager Mike Nicholas, the founder of the amateur Welsh Conference, is trying to expand it to an eight-side league.

The sides set to play in it are Newport, Cardiff Demons, Aberavon Fighting Irish, Torfaen Tigers, Bridgend Blue Bulls, plus sides from Merthyr, Swansea and one still to be set-up, which could be based at Penygraig.

Meanwhile, Wales are set to enjoy a packed audience for the re-match of their classic Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Australia next month.

The game, which is being played at Bridgend RFC's Brewery Field, is on the way to a sell-out.

Nicholas said: "We've already sold most of the stand tickets and the boxes are also nearly full."

Wales lost against the Kangaroos in the World Cup after leading at half-time.