NRL: Success brings call for Nines to multiply

Today in Auckland - tomorrow in Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne?

On the back of the success of the Auckland Nines, the NRL have discussed the possibility of an annual nines circuit. Despite many doubters in the initial planning stages, the inaugural tournament has been a big hit, with more than 46,000 people expected at Eden Park today for the final stages after an impressive first day.

It is expected only to get bigger, with feedback from players and fans driving more interest next year across the Tasman, and the NRL hopes one day the format could encompass more than one event.

"It is early days but the potential for this format is huge," says NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle. "Eventually I wonder if we could see a summer nines circuit across Australasia."

As a former New Zealand Rugby League chief executive, Doyle was well aware of the potential impact on the sport in this country and has been a major ally of the concept since it was first floated by promoters Duco Events.

Indeed, Doyle can take a lot of the credit, as he played a key role behind the scenes in persuading the power brokers at the NRL (as well as club CEOs) of the viability of the idea in the early "sink or swim"' stages, when there was substantial scepticism and even opposition to the idea.

Now he can see the concept going a step further.

"There would be room for growth in the future," says Doyle. "There is room for more league in summer - what about nines events in Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney?"

Player workload is the major issue, with claims already that the NRL off-season is not long enough. However, Doyle's idea would see a lot of teams made up of older (translation: retired) and younger players, taking the onus off the stars of the game.

"It could be up and coming players, players coming back from injury, as well as all of the recently retired players that the fans love to see in action," says Doyle.

"Once the concept is established - and we have support from fans, broadcasters and stakeholders - then the product would become the major selling point."

Doyle also sees the nines as an important vehicle for the growth of the game, both in established territories and new markets.

"It offers an easy way into schools. All kids love to run, try things and have plenty of space, which is what the format encourages. It's also a way for new countries to take up the sport. Obviously it's a lot easier for a developing country to put together a competitive nines team than it is for 13-a-side. Maybe one day we can have an international nines competition."

Tigers captain Robbie Farah agreed with Doyle: "I see this as our version of Twenty20 cricket We have seen other sports have success with shortened games, so it's a great step. I'm confident it could have a long-lasting impact on our game."

"The nines is part of our vision to expand," says NRL chief executive David Smith. "It is part of our ambition to think big and this is about growth - an innovative way to deliver a product to a wider audience."