And time also for the NRL to signal its long-term support for Auckland, where the tournament was devised and created by a couple of locals and has been backed into existence by under-pressure ratepayers via the city's promotional arm Ateed.
The one-year-old tournament isn't broke, far from it, and doesn't need fixing in another place. Keeping the tournament in New Zealand will give back to the NRL anyway -- Auckland in particular is an amazing source of quality NRL prospects and the fun-and-flair tournament helps keep the league flame flickering.
There is also recent history to take into account. The rugby mob had a free hand into the Government's wallet for the 2011 World Cup, to the tune of $190 million when it came to upgrading the still outdated Eden Park.
Our leaders put in well over $30 million of tax money for each of the last two America's Cup campaigns.
They continue to commit hundreds of thousands of dollars to Michael Hill's low-key New Zealand Open golf tournament.
But when Duco wanted money for the Nines out of the Major Events fund, the till shut quicker than Issac Luke taking off from dummy half.
Sure, the story about the Aussie Nines bids is a convenient chip for Duco to play, but that's nothing compared with the rugby union and yachting ploys that extracted so much money out of the public purse.
One problem for Duco is that the Ateed contribution fades -- it started at $2.25 million last year, is $2 million for this week's event, and keeps sliding.
Duco may now have to fight off rival bids from Australian cities with big budgets. Duco effectively buys the licence to run the tournament via a profit-share and putting up the prize money -- which is A$2.34 million for now.
Increasing the prize money -- by anything up to $1 million -- would help seal Auckland as the long-term venue past the initial five-year deal.
Even the early losers leave town with $100,000 and a prize money boost would find direct favour with the powerful NRL club chief executives.
And it's not just about the money. Ateed's involvement is said to have impressed the NRL during the gestation period, and subsequent Government support would mean a lot.
The Nines is a winner with a family atmosphere and entertaining football which puts millions into the Auckland economy.
So long as big names continue to play, it will be a long-term success. As the one true sport of the less fortunate socio-economic classes, it must also be seen to play a part on a social level.
On to the tricky bit -- political savvy. If the Government doesn't like the idea and image of indirectly putting money into private promoters' pockets, then what the hell are they doing giving jewellery golden boy Hill all that cash for his golf tournament. And let's face it -- in my opinion, the rugby union is a private corporation hell-bent on making money, the publicly funded World Cup a pivotal part of the NZRU business plan.
Melbourne can't put up a credible bid -- the game is still a minor player there -- but Queensland is another story although the summer heat counts against it.
The heat is also on our Government, to show fair play on the football funding front.
