1. So what's it all about?
All 16 NRL clubs in one city at one time - events on that sort of scale (city planner types call them 'mega' are rare indeed. They're big, bold and need huge financial backing and public support to succeed. Having sold out in its first year last year, the NRL Nines proved every bit as huge as promoter Dean Lonergan said it would. The fans rolled up and the dollars rolled in, both for the city and the organisers.
2. Is it the real deal?
As close as you'll get for a pre-season competition. The NRL clubs are mandated to select at least one of their top five earners and 12 of their top 25-man squad. The rest of the 18-player squads will largely consist of fringe players and up and coming stars looking to prove themselves on the big stage. It certainly compares favourably to the international sevens circuit, which is largely for players who can't quite cut it in rugby's major professional competitions. These guys are genuine NRL stars.
3. So who are the teams and players to look out for?
Fears of players burnout mean some clubs approach the tournament more seriously than others. Melbourne's team is a joke and Penrith's isn't much better. But the likes of powerhouse clubs Manly - who field star halves Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran - and Sydney Roosters (Mitchell Pearce, James Maloney, Roger Tuivasa-Scheck and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves) and of course the Warriors are clearly out to win it.
4. Are the rules different from normal NRL matches?
Yes and no. The game is largely the same but there are a few tweaks. The main changes are:
• Nine players a side with five unlimited interchange players.
• Two nine-minute halves with a two minute half time period.
• Five tackles in a set.
• Scrums will only form after a double knock on
• No video referee
• Five points for a try scored in the bonus zone under the posts, with two point drop kick conversion attempts - 25 second shot clock to complete conversions.
5. How does the tournament work?
Sixteen is the perfect number of teams for a two day tournament. Four pools of four means three qualifying matches (two on day one and one on day two) with the top two teams from each pool progressing. From there it is on to the quarterfinals, semifinals and final.
This years pools:
Rangitoto:
Eels, Sea Eagles, Knights, Dragons
Waiheke:
Storm, Cowboys, Panthers, Rabbitohs
Hunua:
Tigers, Warriors, Raiders, Titans
Piha:
Roosters, Broncos, Bulldogs, Sharks
6. Isn't it just a massive booze up?
Far from it. Alcohol sales are strongly controlled and the event is heavily policed. Last year's tournament went off without a hitch, with the crowd immaculately behaved even when the Warriors were unexpectedly dumped out in the semifinals.
7. Should I break out the Batman costume?
Up to you, really. Fancy dress is encouraged but far from mandatory. The crowd scene is part of it but - unlike a certain Sevens tournament - the major entertainment takes place on the field.
8. Are there any tickets left?
A few. Organisers stopped giving ticket sales updates at 41,000 earlier in week. If you want to grab a ticket on game day chances are you can - however it could be pricey.
9. Is it on TV?
Yep. SKY TV are screening every match. One of the big unknowns last year was how well the game would translate to TV. Turns out it is a pretty good watch, particularly when the Warriors are in full flight.
Weather
Both days should be warm (up to 26 degrees) but not necessarily sunny, with Metservice forecasting a possibility of drizzle in the east of the city. Better take the sunblock just in case anyway.
Fans enjoy the weather at the Auckland Nines last year. Photo / Greg Bowker
Travel
Public transport is the easiest way to get to and from the park. Travel on trains and special event buses is included with game tickets, which can be shown on a mobile device.
Special event buses will operate to Eden Park from Northern Busway stations, Takapuna, Manukau, Pakuranga, Botany, Newmarket, Mt Eden and the central city.
Travel on special trains starts from 3 hours before kick-off.
**Click here for full details on match travel options
From the cops
"Take it easy on the drink, keep kids safe in a crowd and avoid becoming a victim of car crime by taking some simple preventative steps like leaving valuables at home or locked out of view."
Police will be out and about enforcing local alcohol bans and encouraging bar managers to hang onto their licences by refusing to serve intoxicated patrons.
Police and community wardens will travel on some trains in order to maintain visibility, prevent crime and improve passenger safety.
The odds are (NZ TAB):
NZ Warriors
3.25
Nth Queensland
9.00
Sydney
11.00
Souths
12.00
Newcastle
12.00
Cronulla
13.00
Parramatta
13.00
Manly
13.00
Gold Coast
15.00
Brisbane
17.00
Penrith
21.00
Bulldogs
21.00
Wests Tigers
26.00
St George-Illawarra
26.00
Melbourne
31.00
Canberra
31.00