Auckland "could lose the annual Nines tournament" from '19, with the National Rugby League opening it up to a bidding process, according to STUFF. The event, which happens before each NRL season, was given to Duco and Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (Ateed) on a five-year deal from '14. That contract "has two more years to go and, because of the tournament's success," Australian cities have been "eyeing up snatching the event to the other side of the Tasman." Australian Rugby League Commission Chair John Grant said, "We have interest from lots of places and why wouldn't we? It has been fantastic. We want to be respectful of long-term relationships (with Duco and Ateed) and that is going to play into the consideration but the process will allow all groups who think this will be attractive to them, to be part of that process" (STUFF, 2/27). In Auckland, Michael Burgess reported Grant confirmed the NRL has been impressed with "all aspects of the Auckland event," and recognizes the "importance of the tournament in a rugby stronghold." But he was "non-committal when asked if the NRL wanted the event to stay in Auckland." He said, "I haven't got a point of view on that." The situation "has some irony." Duco and Ateed spent more than 18 months trying to convince the NRL the Nines "could be a valuable proposition." And now it has taken off, "they have to convince them again they deserve to retain it." Grant: "None of this stuff is clear-cut." The Nines "has become more than a two-day tournament." There are some "genuine legacy opportunities and it gives league a footprint here for a week." It has "also become a valuable event proposition for Ateed and provides capacity for Eden Park" (NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 2/27).
