Security up to the Nines for tournament

Steve Price. Photo / Getty Images

A group of former NRL old boys, including Steve Price and Andrew Ryan, could be used as "peacemakers" in the event of any off-field incidents as the cream of the NRL hit town for the Auckland Nines.

Unprecedented security arrangements are in place for next week's event, involving police, the NRL's integrity unit, the management and staff of all 16 teams as well as the ex-players.

Next week will mark the first time that players - a total of 256 - and staff of all 16 NRL clubs will be in one place, at one time. Most teams will be in Auckland from Thursday afternoon and won't leave until Monday morning. This, allied to the pre-season and festival feel of the tournament has raised concerns over what might unfold, given the infamous track record of league players misbehaving in public places.

The NRL are desperate to avoid any of the dramas that have marred this year's and recent off-season build-ups and are doing everything possible to ensure the tournament is unaffected by drama off the field.

Each team has been allocated three minders, including one police officer, who will be with the players at all times. The entire NRL integrity unit will be in Auckland from tomorrow until next Monday and various Auckland nightspots have been fully briefed and instructed to call in the "urgent response" cavalry should any trouble arise. Players have also been encouraged not to frequent high-density nightlife areas like the Viaduct, Britomart and Ponsonby.

Players like Price and Ryan among others have also been engaged, with the belief that they will be more effective in quelling any trouble (and persuading a player to desist any undesirable behaviour) than security guards or bouncers. Team managers and coaches will also be on call, ready to be summoned to assist in any negative circumstances.

At Eden Park 600 security guards will be employed on each of the two match days. The entire West Stand corporate lounge has been given over to the teams, where they will be able to prepare before game and relax in between matches, and players will be required to wear accreditation while they are at the ground, a first for the NRL.

Meanwhile, strict measures have been taken to prevent the kind of alcohol-induced mayhem that has been common at the Wellington Sevens in recent years.

"Our rules will be among the most stringent in this country in terms of a full-day event," says event promoter David Higgins. "You won't be able to purchase a beer or RTD stronger than four per cent anywhere in the ground and after 2.30pm, the drinks purchasing limit will be cut to two per person (four per person before that). We are doing everything we can to ensure a fun experience for everyone."