NRL announcement on eve of the Nines

Auckland’s grassroots league ‘big winners’ in NRL announcement on eve of the Nines

With only two weeks to go until the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines, now recognised as the NRL season opener, today’s announcements further cement the NRL’s commitment to the sport and economic success for Auckland, says Mayor Len Brown.

“The NRL should be congratulated for their announcements today that Auckland will host a Women in League Leadership Forum, Referee Workshop and Rugby League High Performance Conference during the Nines Festival week,” says Mr Brown.

The Women in League Leadership Forum event will be held on 29 January and will allow 40 female rugby league administrators to gather and collaborate on all aspects of rugby league leadership.

Friday 30 January will see a Referee Workshop involving referees from the NRL Referee Department, NZRL Referees Academy and experts. The Millennium Institute will also host the Rugby League High Performance Conference will include presentations and panel discussions with leading experts.

The NRL will also host a free public event at Aotea Square including a unique chance to meet all NRL Auckland Nines players.

“In a year that celebrates Auckland 175th anniversary and the Warriors’ twenty years in the NRL, grassroots rugby league has never been stronger which is fantastic news for Auckland and for the sport as a whole.”

This is the third major announcement in recent weeks including that for the first time in history the NRL season launch event will be held outside Australia at the award-winning Shed 10 on the eve of the Nines.

The Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines Festival and Fanzone will be at Aotea Square from Friday 30 January to Sunday 1 February. The events will kick-off on Friday with an opportunity to interact with all 288 players from all 16 NRL teams and tons of activities for all ages.

NRL Head of Commercial Paul Kind said the game’s commitment to rugby league in Auckland and New Zealand was clear.

“We are launching our season for the first time outside of Australia and our commitment through the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines is significant,” says Mr Kind.

“Our Fan Day at Aotea Square will be unprecedented in terms of fan engagement and our commitment to building the game through our High-Performance Conference, the Referees Workshop and the Women In League Leadership Forum will enhance our position in a key rugby league market.”

The NRL Auckland Nines kicks-off on Saturday 31 January at Eden Park with the first showdown between the Eels and the Sea Eagles who take to the field at 12.30pm.

For more information visit aucklandnz.com/nines

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