CAPTAIN-coach or player-coach is a dying – but still present – role in rugby league. But player-CEO? Former Queensland State of Origin star and England international Chris McQueen made his return to playing yesterday at the Las Vegas Nines, representing Brooklyn Kings. He almost played for the Kings when the ill-fated NARL was floated a couple of years ago. Now…
DUTCH club the Pitbulls have confirmed the date of this year’s Rotterdam Nines. One of Europe’s longest-running Nines tournaments, the event will be held on April 24. The Rotterdam Nines, drawing teams from across the continent, has been running since 2003. European Rugby League has announced that applications to compete have opened with interested clubs invited to contact the host…
NORWAY Rugby League has issued an open invitation to overseas teams for what it promises to be its “biggest ever Nines” in June. The Haugesund Nines are being staged on the first of the month for the Alt Heis Cup in what Norway tourism describes as the “home of the Viking kings”. “Still room for more teams … easy access…
AVATIU Eels have successfully defended their Rarotonga title with the slenderest of victories over Tupapa Panthers in a gripping final of the year’s first Nines tournament. Clive Nicholas’ men edged out the Panthers 14-13 at the end of two days play at the National Stadium, where New Zealand visitors Raukawa Kukis lifted the women’s title with a 21-4 win over…
THE Las Vegas Nines, to be run by the NRL next month, may become a global event in future years, feeding spectator numbers at the annual premiership double-header there. The Australasian league has signed a five year deal with local authorities to take two matches annually to the so-called entertainment capital of the world. The Nines tournament is later add-on…
NEW Zealand team Raukawa Kukis stunned the local sides on day one of the Rarotonga tour stop in the women’s division. The team, made up of New Zealand-based Cook Islanders, swept all before them on an unbeaten run which included defending champions Taupapa. The cup holders in the men’s division, Avatui Eels, were also undefeated. They downed Ngatangiia Matavera Sea…
THE traditional beginning of the global Nines season in Cook Islands is hotting up again this weekend with the Rarotonga tour stop. The men’s and women’s teams of the Pacific nation will gather at Avarua Tereora Stadium for the first Nines event of 2024. The men’s defending champions are Avatui while Tupapa are the women’s champions. Cook Islands Rugby League…
THE ASEAN Nines, to be held in Pattaya this November, have a new sponsor. International firm Global Components, a long-time supporter of Irish rugby league, have secured naming rights sponsorship for the exotic event. Teams are yet to be finalised for this year’s event, which will take place on November 4. In 2022, Ireland defeated Northern Sharks 34-0 in the…
