THE NRL Nines will return in 2020 at Perth’s HBF Park in February 14 and 15.
The competition, last held in 2017, will involved all 16 men’s NRL teams as well as the four WNRL teams. It will follow just four months after the World Cup Nines at Bankwest Stadium.
The NRL’s announcement today (Tuesday) marks the first time the club Nines has not been held in Auckland.
Men’s games will be divided into four pools while the women will compete in a round robin system; according to an NRL media release fans would be encouraged to “wear their boldest and brightest summer outfits”.
“The sell-out crowd in Perth for State of Origin highlighted how much interest West Australians have in rugby league and we are committed to growing the game here,’’ NRL operation manager Graham Annesley said at a media launch on Scarborough Beach.
“There are few better destinations than summer in Perth and we want this event to be a summer vibes festival. We’re looking forward to seeing a stadium of colour to kick-off our 2020 season.
“Nines is the fastest form of our game. It shows the speed, agility and attacking prowess of our most exciting players. There’s a lot on the line this year – any club who can win both the Nines and the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final will collect $1 million in prizemoney for the season.”
WA tourism minister Paul Papalia commented: “We’re thrilled to have locked in the best in rugby league, playing in the fun, fast, Nines format
“We have earned our stripes by hosting some blockbuster NRL games in Perth, showing just how popular the sport is here in WA and how well we host big events.
“This is another chance for people to get their mates together and enjoy another rugby league first for WA with the Nines tournament.”
One-day tickets start at $20.
