Latest from NRL

Rugby: White stamps his mark on Sharks

If ever we needed reminding that there has been a change of guard at the Sharks, it was confirmed when new coach Jake White picked Ryan Kankowski to start at No 8 against the Bulls.

Mayor: Nines will be 'an absolute romp'

Hundreds of rugby league fans gathered at Auckland's Aotea Square today to welcome their favourite teams ahead of this weekend's Nines tournament.

Richie Barnett: Tournament must prove its value to attract stars

A number of the most recognisable players in league will bypass the weekend or have been told to bypass the tournament, writes Richie Barnett.

Games draw the Vegas boys to city

A Las Vegas birthday bash has spawned one of NZ's most successful investment funds, and the Nines tournament is being used to get members to their AGM.

Auckland Nines: Farah's separation anxiety

When you've played as long as Robbie Farah, change is bound to occur but the hooker admits it will still feel strange when he looks up from dummy-half.

Auckland Nines: Oz players in line for big Kiwi welcome

Australian rugby league players have been pouring into Auckland before tomorrow's kickoff of the first NRL Nines tournament at Eden Park.

Auckland Nines: Super Shaun's touch of magic

Shaun Johnson once played for a touch team called Kryptonite.

Auckland Nines: Warriors named favourites

Nines stars spread the league love

Auckland league fans have a chance to meet their heroes at league clubs across the city today, with all 16 NRL clubs being hosted by a local counterpart.

Stellar Nines line-up coming

The full line-ups for the Auckland Nines will be revealed today, with a host of superstar names.

NRL: Fijian sevens star one to watch at Eden Park

All Sisa Waqa really wanted to do when growing up was play sevens for Fiji.

Park confident over ticketing

Nines organisers and Eden Park management are confident there will be no recurrence of a ticketing glitch.

Nine's booze balance vow

Eden Park's management are confident they will find the right balance between maintaining order and allowing fans to have fun.

'No intoxication will be tolerated'

Police are expecting a "huge" weekend as thousands of people flock to various events around Auckland, with crowds expected to be the biggest since the Rugby World Cup.

NRL: Props make strong case for Nines inclusion

They might not be the players that immediately spring to mind when trying to predict who will be suited to league nines but it would be dangerous to disregard props.

Top coach rejects Nines safety fears

Rugby league super coach Wayne Bennett has dismissed concerns about player behaviour at this weekend's inaugural NRL Auckland Nines.

Auckland city chocka for big weekend

Finding a bed in Auckland becomes near impossible as three big events draw thousands.

Bid to block scalpers on Trade Me

Organisers of NRL Auckland Nines are trying to get tickets removed from Trade Me as scalpers start cashing in on New Zealand's bumper event calendar.