NRL Announces Schedule For Auckland Nines, Billy Slater Eyes 2016 Comeback In The Tournament

National Rugby League has announced that its third installment of the Dick Smith Auckland Nines preseason tournament will be held on February 6-7 next year. The greatest weekend of Rugby League will be displayed at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand according to the reports of NRL.com.

NRL, along with Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development and Duco Events have confirmed on Monday that the schedule of the competition will happen in the Waitangi Weekend, which celebrates New Zealand’s cultural diversity. The Dick Smith Auckland Nines will once again feature 16 NRL clubs with star players contractually guaranteed to participate in the competition. The record breaking event carries a prize money of NZ$2.6 million.

Auckland mayor Len Brown said that NRL’s preseason tournament has continued “to attract some of the greatest names in Rugby League” adding that the event brings excitement and great energy to the city. He also cited that the competition adds to Auckland’s reputation as a “major event city.”

"The Nines is a great home-grown event with an unrivalled atmosphere for both die-hard league fans and newcomers to league who want a great Waitangi weekend. The Nines continues to add to Auckland's reputation as a major event city, and brings significant new money into the local economy,” Brown said.

Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater has already said he eyes to participate in Auckland Nines for his 2016 comeback adding that his shoulder problems will not stop him from getting in action. The 25-test Australian expects his season-ending shoulder injury suffered last month in Origin II to be fully healed just in time for NRL’s Auckland Nines. He also added that he always wanted to play in the short-form event because it would “suit” his style of play as per SBS.com.au.

Promoter Duco Events has put its commitment to delivering a world class event wherein viewers leave with memorable moments. The company’s director David Higgins said that they have been listening to the fans and determined that the preseason competition “will be the best Nines tournament yet.”

"The key thing they've asked for is to see the stars warming up in front of them while the games are on, just like they did in 2014 so we’re bringing it back. We also want to enhance the family friendly atmosphere so in most categories we are going to let children in half price. Early bird fans will also be able to buy tickets from just $69 to attend the two day event,” Higgins said.

For fans who want the best seats at Eden Park, they are advised to join the waiting list before tickets go on-sale on August 20. The two-day tickets starts at $69 with half the price for kids as per Scoop.co.nz.

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