General Nrl Nines Tournament In Auckland

[mt.wellington]

NRL Auckland Nines Draw & Schedule

Pool Yellow
Canberra Raiders
Manly Sea Eagles
New Zealand Warriors
North Queensland Cowboys

Pool Green
Brisbane Broncos
Canterbury Bulldogs
Parramatta Eels
Sydney Roosters

Pool Blue
Cronulla Sharks
Gold Coast Titans
Newcastle Knights
Wests Tigers

Pool Red
Melbourne Storm
Penrith Panthers
South Sydney Rabbitohs
St George/Illawarra Dragons

Schedule
DAY 1 - Feb 15 2014
Game 1 - 12.35pm: Sharks v Knights
Game 2 - 1pm: Tigers v Titans
Game 3 - 1.25pm: Roosters v Eels
Game 4 - 1.50pm: Broncos v Bulldogs
Game 5 - 2.25pm: Warriors v Raiders
Game 6 - 2.50pm: Sea Eagles v Cowboys
Game 7 - 3.15pm: Storm v Panthers
Game 8 - 3.40pm: Rabbitohs v Dragons
Game 9 - 4.20pm: Sharks v Tigers
Game 10 - 4.45pm: Knights v Titans
Game 11 - 5.10pm: Roosters v Broncos
Game 12 - 5.35pm: Eels v Bulldogs
Game 13 - 6.10pm: Warriors v Sea Eagles
Game 14 - 6.35pm: Raiders v Cowboys
Game 15 - 7pm: Storm v Rabbitohs
Game 16 - 7.25pm: Panthers v Dragons

DAY 2 - Feb 16 2014
Game 17 - 12pm: Sharks v Titans
Game 18 - 12.25pm: Knights v Tigers
Game 19 - 12.50pm: Roosters v Bulldogs
Game 20 - 1.15pm: Eels v Broncos
Game 21 - 1.45pm: Warriors v Cowboys
Game 22 - 2.10pm: Raiders v Sea Eagles
Game 23 - 2.35pm: Storm v Dragons
Game 24 - 3pm: Panthers v Rabbitohs
Game 25 - 3.30pm: 1st Quarter Final
Game 26 - 3.55pm: 2nd Quarter Final
Game 27 - 4.20pm: 3rd Quarter Final
Game 28 - 4.45pm: 4th Quarter Final
Game 29 - 5.45pm: 1st Semi Final
Game 30 - 6.10pm 2nd Semi Final
Game 31 - 7.30pm: Final
=============================================
NRL Nines tournament for city
STEVE KILGALLON

Last updated 09:44 18/11/2012

​

BACKING: Promoter Dean Lonergan.


A National Rugby League nine-a-side competition in Auckland would be the richest league tournament in the world, perhaps the richest sporting event in the country, and could rival the Wellington Sevens, its backers claim.

Former Kiwis player Dean Lonergan and business partner David Higgins say their NRL Nines, to launch in late January 2014, could surpass the Wellington Sevens in audience figures and prizemoney, expected to total about $3 million a year, although Lonergan would not confirm that figure.

"It will be the country's biggest sporting event," Lonergan predicted. "If we draw 100,000 over two days, then there will be nothing that matches that. I think it could also be the richest sporting event in the country."

All 16 NRL clubs have expressed provisional support for the tournament, and would commit to sending their entire first-grade squads - meaning the game's stars such as Kiwis captain Benji Marshall and Sonny Bill Williams could play.

Auckland Council's events arm, ATEED, has given provisional agreement to provide substantial financial backing and Sky TV may televise the event.

Higgins and Lonergan first pitched the event to the NRL in August, and will tomorrow meet senior officials, including interim chief executive Shane Mattiske, to finalise arrangements. Lonergan said he was confident a contract would be signed by next month.

Among the event's backers are ex-Aussie test captain Mal Meninga and the New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Jim Doyle.

NRL communications director John Brady said after the first meeting between the two groups: "There was significant interest from the clubs, but there is a lot of work to make it happen."

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah: "Any concept that brings international football to this country we would be extremely excited about, and it would be a fantastic way to launch the season."

Higgins, initially reluctant to comment, said: "I want to stress it is not a done deal - the NRL and the clubs are doing due diligence. We are in the hands of the NRL and clubs, but it would be a privilege to work with one of the most forward-thinking and innovative sport organisations in the world."

But he described the nines as a potential "Holy Grail".

"We believe it has the potential to become the most iconic, most valuable annual event here, and a fixture for Auckland for generations to come. It would take the sold-out party atmosphere of the Wellington Sevens and the dynamite on-field product of the best players, best clubs and best competition in the world and make the perfect event."

Higgins and Lonergan are in discussions with Eden Park, but say they would also consider building huge temporary stands at Mt Smart to raise its capacity to 45,000.

ATEED confirmed its provisional support for the event, saying it had made a "conditional commercial sponsorship offer" but wouldn't reveal numbers. It said it believed it could become an "economic anchor event . . . a fantastic event for Auckland".

A rugby league sevens event ran in Sydney from 1988 to 2004, when club fears about player burnout halted it.
- © Fairfax NZ News

https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-sport/7965758/NRL-Nines-tournament-for-city
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Sounds really exciting but it is only in its first stage. Abit ambitous and I wish Dean Lonegan all the best but I have to admit to be a little sceptical about the numbers hes suggesting, 100,000 over 2 days. Not impossible and I'll definately be there with at least 20 mates. If they do it around early March then they wont be competing with any other sporting fixture I can think of. Then again, I only follow League so what would I know!?

Would rather see Mt. Smart host it as Eden Park has a terrible atmosphere because of the cricket ground boundary. If it were to be held at Eden I dont think the atmosphere would come close to matching that of the Cake Tin.

Said it was backed by NZRL CEO Jim Doyle. I thought he stepped down a couple of months ago?

 

[Gee]

Would be a great event and well worth making the trip to Auckland to see all those players in action on one day. Canterbury Clothing are probably on board as well as their is potentially another jersey they could design /sell for this event.

 

[mt.wellington]

Would be a great event and well worth making the trip to Auckland to see all those players in action on one day. Canterbury Clothing are probably on board as well as their is potentially another jersey they could design /sell for this event.

Knowing CCC and what they do with the Warriors there will probably be 3 jerseys per team!

I would love for this to be a huge success and it would be awesome if it was to not only become the jewel in the league crown but also NZ as a whole. I dont see it happening for at least a couple of years. Unless Dean has a small army helping him.

 

[Danpatmac]

i'm probably going to be the lone voice of dissent... but,

I'm unsure of the point of 9s.

It seems too close to 13s to be overly different. I'm pretty meh about this idea.

but a hybrid between union 7s and league with teams from both codes playing for a big purse would get my interest up.

 

[mt.wellington]

i'm probably going to be the lone voice of dissent... but,

I'm unsure of the point of 9s.

It seems too close to 13s to be overly different. I'm pretty meh about this idea.

but a hybrid between union 7s and league with teams from both codes playing for a big purse would get my interest up.

Wouldnt the two markers plus the person playing the ball and the dummy half effectively make it a 7 on 7 game? Bit simplistic to rule out the dummy half run and the 2nd marker but you know what I mean.

How would you play a 'hybrid' game? I watched a game between a Rugby team and League team of about High School age. It was a hybrid game where they played a mix of play the balls and rucks. Have to say that it was the most boring and confusing thing I'd ever had the misfortune to watched. Besides, I cant see the NRL and the World 7s committee sharing the stage. Be like Ford and Holden sharing the best parts of each others engines. Rugby 7's would be looking to protect their brand. Especially with Dean saying how League 9s is going to top it.

 

[Danpatmac]

Wouldnt the two markers plus the person playing the ball and the dummy half effectively make it a 7 on 7 game? Bit simplistic to rule out the dummy half run and the 2nd marker but you know what I mean.

How would you play a 'hybrid' game? I watched a game between a Rugby team and League team of about High School age. It was a hybrid game where they played a mix of play the balls and rucks. Have to say that it was the most boring and confusing thing I'd ever had the misfortune to watched. Besides, I cant see the NRL and the World 7s committee sharing the stage. Be like Ford and Holden sharing the best parts of each others engines. Rugby 7's would be looking to protect their brand. Especially with Dean saying how League 9s is going to top it.

When I say a hybrid game I essentially mean rugby league played with 7 people, only one marker and including the old rule where you could tap forward if no marker.

Actually, when I think about it, who cares.

I am not one for T20 cricket either... bah humbug

 

[League Freak]

It sounds great but so has every other big plan like this that Ive never seen eventuate over the years...

 

[¿N. ig-mah¿]

i'm probably going to be the lone voice of dissent... but,

I'm unsure of the point of 9s.

It seems too close to 13s to be overly different. I'm pretty meh about this idea.

but a hybrid between union 7s and league with teams from both codes playing for a big purse would get my interest up.

I have always thought 9 was too many. I'm sure there was originally a league 7s concept, but 9s came out on top. There is talk down here in Southland of someone trying to start a league 10s competition. I am really confused as to why the extra person would make for a different sport, but it seems there are a few interested.

I would love for this idea to take off (I might even make a trip to Auckland for that), but I can't see it being able to top the Wellington 7s. I remember in 1997 (I think, because it was tied up with the SuperLeague War) there was the big 9s tournament involving the SL teams, and I think several international sides as well. It was a great concept.

 

[mt.wellington]

I have always thought 9 was too many. I'm sure there was originally a league 7s concept, but 9s came out on top. There is talk down here in Southland of someone trying to start a league 10s competition. I am really confused as to why the extra person would make for a different sport, but it seems there are a few interested.

I would love for this idea to take off (I might even make a trip to Auckland for that), but I can't see it being able to top the Wellington 7s. I remember in 1997 (I think, because it was tied up with the SuperLeague War) there was the big 9s tournament involving the SL teams, and I think several international sides as well. It was a great concept.

What makes the Wellington 7s is the stadium seating itself and the way the seating is just one continuous oval. The view to the field isnt bad (much better than Eden Park) but the main thing is the atmosphere the seating arrangement creates. I've been to the 7s before and it was magic. As NZ 7s legend Eric Rush put it, "If you ever get bored at the 7s, you can always watch the rugby."

 

[¿N. ig-mah¿]

What makes the Wellington 7s is the stadium seating itself and the way the seating is just one continuous oval. The view to the field isnt bad (much better than Eden Park) but the main thing is the atmosphere the seating arrangement creates. I've been to the 7s before and it was magic. As NZ 7s legend Eric Rush put it, "If you ever get bored at the 7s, you can always watch the rugby."

I think the atmosphere has long surpassed the games as the draw card for most people. It would be almost impossible to build such a successful atmosphere within a few years, regardless of the venue it was held at. IMO

 

[mt.wellington]

Organisers forge ahead with 'NRL Nines' competition

Rikki Swannell, Newstalk ZB November 24, 2012, 3:23 pm



Contracts could be in place before the new year, as organisers forge ahead with an 'NRL Nines' competition to be held in Auckland.

Dean Lonergan hopes to have contracts in place with the NRL and Auckland Tourism and Events next month.

The inaugural tournament is planned for anniversary weekend 2014, with Eden Park the preferred venue.

Lonergan says they've received strong support from the clubs.

"One reason why the clubs are voting to do this - and that is the amount of money up for grabs. So all up we're talking that $3 million is on the table for the NRL every year to be divvied up between the clubs. Firstly they get a guarantee appearance money to turn up."

Lonergan says the winning club would get half a million dollars.

He says the NRL would drop the first pre-season trial game in favour of this event

https://nz.sports.yahoo.com/news/ar...isers-forge-ahead-with-nrl-nines-competition/

 

[mt.wellington]

NRL: Nines gain momentum

By Michael Burgess
5:30 AM Sunday Dec 2, 2012


The Warriors played league sevens in 2003-04. Photo / Getty Images


The NRL has thrown their weight behind the proposed 2014 League Nines tournament, adding momentum to an event which could offer up to $3 million in prize money at Eden Park in 2014.

While there are still a few stages to be negotiated, the NRL is supportive of the proposal which would see all 16 teams come to Auckland in January for the short form of the game. The event also received a positive response at the NRL CEOs' meeting last week in Sydney.

"There is enthusiastic support for the concept," NRL Marketing and commercial manager Paul Kind told the Herald on Sunday. "We see it as a great showcase for the sport, with huge potential. The Wellington sevens has set a precedent for blending entertainment and sport into a spectacle and that is what we would be aiming for."

Kind said that it was a unique opportunity to bring all 16 clubs together before the start of the season and that there would be a lot of community engagement and visits as the NRL look to grow their presence in the New Zealand market.

Event promoters Dean Lonergan and David Higgins have met with NRL officials in the past two weeks, before a presentation at the CEOs meeting last Wednesday.


The next step will see the proposal tabled at a meeting of the Australian Rugby League Commission.

"There are a few more steps to go on the path," says Kind. "But the clubs like the idea that they will be able to maintain their pre-season training and preparation programmes while they are in Auckland. The fact that they will be able to bring 25 players is a key element for them, as it keeps the wider squad together. I think it is realistic to expect some but not all of the elite players to attend."

The financial rewards on offer are another incentive, with some estimates of the annual prizemoney reaching up to $3 million. The event would not affect the existing pre-season schedule (clubs
would still have three allocated weekends for trial matches), as it would run in late January, a week before the All-Star weekend.

The NRL have previously held a similar season-opening tournament, with the Rugby League World Sevens which ran from 1988-97. It had a five year hiatus before resuming in 2003-04. It featured NRL teams as well as a New Zealand representative side (pre-Warriors), international clubs (including Wigan) and some national teams (England, Canada and Fiji among others).

Souths were the inaugural winners in 1988 while Parramatta, Manly, Wigan and the Tigers were other title holders. Crowds and broadcaster interest had dipped by 2004, while some clubs refused to field their strongest sides. SuperLeague ran an international nines in 1996 in Fiji and 1997 in Townsville which finished when the 'war' between SuperLeague and the ARL ended in 1997.

"Our sevens tournament was very popular for a long time and we are confident this could work," says Kind. "We are now in an age where short-form versions of sport are increasingly popular, highlighted by Twenty20 cricket, and we believe there is a genuine appetite for this version of the sport."

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10851410

This actually looks to be gaining alot of traction. Still a way to go but its gone beyond a pipe dream to something more concrete. If Dean pulls this off before the start of the 2014 season I'll be very impressed...

 

[Pete]

Im not sure they can match Seven interest or commercial success. Maybe Dean took a few too many headshots during his career. The downside would be that Sevens rugby might start poaching players especially in the Olympic years. Watch out for the superstars on one year contracts as they may take a year out to try get a Gold medal which would in marketing terms bring in advertisers and co , in short big money. PLus side is that it will be great in developing attacking players. Its like a concentrated training session on attack and defence. Would freshen up things a little though.

 

[Hitman82]

1 Locke
2 Fish
3 Tuimavavae
4 Nielsen
5 Peyroux
6 Johnson
7 Godinet
8 Henry
9 Martel

10 Taylor
11 Mara

woojah

 

[Sup42]

Deans a promotional genius.

One city , only time all the stars are in one city. What a concept.

It's a one off Tournament , established names , not the neville nobodies of sevens Union.

NRL behind it , in time a few Aussies will start making the trip.

If the Warriors go alright it will help the first tournament, but even if they don't who cares , Slater , ingliss , Barber carving up at high speed will sell it out on finals day.

It's the closest NZ will ever get to having a home GF

 

[Sup42]

1 Locke
2 Fish
3 Tuimavavae
4 Nielsen
5 Peyroux
6 Johnson
7 Godinet
8 Henry
9 Martel

10 Taylor
11 Mara

woojah

Fast team well balanced. I might be tempted to go with that set up......What about Hurrell or Vatuvie as a forward off the bench.

 

[warriors4eva]

All the teams together for one weekend of rugby league, even if it is 9's, count me in, better start saving lol

 

[Pete]

Deans a promotional genius.

One city , only time all the stars are in one city. What a concept.

It's a one off Tournament , established names , not the neville nobodies of sevens Union.

NRL behind it , in time a few Aussies will start making the trip.

If the Warriors go alright it will help the first tournament, but even if they don't who cares , Slater , ingliss , Barber carving up at high speed will sell it out on finals day.

It's the closest NZ will ever get to having a home GF

Your convincing. Im sold. Lets get it going. Hopefully at Eden Park if they get a massive crowd over Mt Smart.

 

[mt.wellington]

Deans a promotional genius.

One city , only time all the stars are in one city. What a concept.

It's a one off Tournament , established names , not the neville nobodies of sevens Union.

NRL behind it , in time a few Aussies will start making the trip.

If the Warriors go alright it will help the first tournament, but even if they don't who cares , Slater , ingliss , Barber carving up at high speed will sell it out on finals day.

It's the closest NZ will ever get to having a home GF

Exactly! Thats the best thing about the proposed tournament and why I've been following it so keenly. As Sup42 pointed out, the NRLs finest are said to be involved. These arent players from the Vulcans, U20's with maybe one or 2 recognisable names from the FG team like the Sevens teams.

Should this tournament kickoff, become successful and be played annually, I see some Super League teams joining the comp. When/if that happens you will see a bigger prizepot making the tournament an even bigger event than any of us can imagine.

Im really really excited and know that Dean will give it his all, goodluck...

 

[Samwitwiki]

i think it is a great idea!