NRL: Plans for Warriors' fan zones announced

The Warriors will play in Sunday's NRL decider against Manly. Photo / Getty Images

Officials have announced plans for Aucklanders to watch both Rugby World Cup games and the National Rugby League grand final on Sunday.

The NRL grand final between the Vodafone Warriors and the Manly Sea Eagles kicks off at 7pm NZT, crossing over with two World Cup matches - between Wales and Fiji and Ireland and Italy.

The Auckland-based club will be represented in all three grand finals to be played on Sunday after the under-20s thrashed the Bulldogs in their Toyota Cup grand final qualifier, and feeder side the Auckland Vulcans overcame Cronulla to claim their place in the NSW Cup decider.

Mt Smart Stadium - nicknamed "the Fortress" by the Warriors' fans - and Captain Cook Wharf in downtown Auckland will be turned into fan zones so supporters can watch the action.

Prime Minister John Key said this afternoon officials were in the process of finalising plans to screen the final in Auckland, and details, including location, would be announced in the next day or so.

"We're heading towards a very special sporting weekend in New Zealand as we host some great matches in both Rugby World Cup and as the Warriors go into battle in Sydney in the NRL grand final against Manly," he said.

"I'm pleased a cooperative approach is being taken by both the IRB (International Rugby Board), Rugby World Cup 2011 and the Auckland Council to ensure we can cater for rugby union and rugby league fans on Sunday."

Meanwhile, Mr Key said World Cup ticket sales were still going strong, and were closing in on the $268 million target.

Earlier today, Rugby World Cup New Zealand 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden said the semi-final, in which the All Blacks were expected to play, had sold all but 5000 tickets, while the second semi-final still had between 12,000 and 13,000 tickets available.