Auckland Unlikely To Host Rugby League World Cup Final

Ateed CEO Brett O'Riley said that Auckland, New Zealand will not "get into a bidding war with Australia to host next year's Rugby League World Cup final," according to David Long of STUFF. Australian cities, most notably Sydney and Brisbane, "are keen on hosting the showpiece game from next year's Rugby League World Cup tournament, with Auckland the only feasible New Zealand option." O'Riley said that while Ateed, which is an Auckland Council-controlled organization, "would be interested in helping bring the World Cup final to Eden Park next year," they are not prepared to spend as much money as Australian cities. O'Riley said, "What we've seen in the last few years is the Australian state capitals really tossing out some big money in competing for that stuff and we don't want to play that game." Ateed "will be involved in next year's British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand and the World Masters Games" (STUFF, 1/24).