Local league clubs to host NRL big shots

Cronulla's Ben Barba was in Auckland for the announcement of the participating clubs today at Mangere East Rugby League Club. Photo / Getty Images

Sixteen rugby league clubs across the Auckland region have been chosen to take part in the 2016 Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines club programme.

Cronulla Sharks five-eighth Ben Barba was in Auckland for the announcement of the participating clubs today at Mangere East Rugby League Club.

The grassroots initiative - which was a feature of the inaugural tournament bin 2014 but not run as part of this year's event - gives thousands of local rugby league club fans and their families a chance to take part in skills and meet and greet sessions when each of the 16 NRL teams participating in the February tournament visit a local club.

Mayor Len Brown welcomed the return of the club programme: "Fans and local club members are the passionate heart of rugby league. The Nines is unique for having all the NRL teams together and it is great to see the teams getting out to Auckland clubs on their home turf."

The local clubs will each host a visit from an NRL team on Thursday 4 February, in the lead-up to the Waitangi weekend tournament. The 16 chosen clubs will also receive a $2000 equipment package.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Chief Executive, Brett O'Riley said the club programme was an important part of the wider benefits the Nines bring to Auckland.

"Auckland hosting the Nines helps boost the profile and development of rugby league in Auckland and New Zealand. The club programme takes the stars of the game out into our communities and lets the next generation of players meet their heroes. Auckland clubs taking part in the 2014 club programme signed-up hundreds of new players in a solid example of how hosting this event helps grow the game."

Tasha Tasmania, chair of the Mangere East Hawks, said the 2014 visit from the Penrith Panthers was a huge hit not just for the club, but for the Mangere community as well.

"Club membership for players new to rugby league skyrocketed up by 30 per cent, we gained new sponsors, our club was greatly promoted through advertising and the local community engagement and involvement we received for this one day. To host another NRL visit in 2016 is an honour for Mangere East Hawks club and opportunity for us to build on our successes from 2014. It's also a chance for our Mangere community to once again meet leaders of the game of rugby league."

Glenora Bears - Cronulla Sharks
Hibiscus Coast Raiders - North Queensland Cowboys
Manurewa Marlins - Melbourne Storm
New Lynn Stags - Sydney Roosters
Northcote Tigers - Wests Tigers
Otara Scorpions - Vodafone Warriors
Pt Chevalier Pirates - Penrith Panthers
Waitemata Seagulls (Ranui) - Newcastle Knights
Bay Roskill Vikings - Canberra Raiders
Mangere East Hawks - South Sydney Rabbitohs
Marist Saints - Brisbane Broncos
Mt Wellington - Gold Coast Titans
Otahuhu Leopards - Manly Sea Eagles
Pakuranga Jaguars - Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Papatoetoe Panthers - Parramatta Eels
Papakura Sea Eagles - St George-Illawarra Dragons*

* The St George-Illawarra Dragons' visit to the Papakura Sea Eagles is on Friday 5 February. All other visits are on Thursday 4 February