The 2017 rugby league season begins this weekend when all 16 NRL teams and 288 star players descend on Eden Park for this two-day, nine-per-side knock-out tournament extravaganza.
With prize money on offer, rule changes and much more set to feature this weekend, bulldogs.com.au takes a look at everything you need to know for the 2017 Auckland Nines.
How does the Auckland Nines work?
- All 16 NRL clubs together in Auckland
- Two-day knock-out tournament
- Featuring 288+ star players
- Superstars Johnathan Thurston, Shaun Johnson and Jarryd Hayne the first to confirm they will play
- 31 action packed games
- More speed! More tries! More fun!
- 9 players per team, 9 minute halves
- NZ $2.6 million dollars + in prize money
- Over 80,000 fans expected over 2 days
Can I watch the Auckland Nines on TV?
Yes, the Auckland Nines tournament will be broadcast LIVE and exclusive across Australia on Fox Sports, Channel 501.
Can I listen to the Auckland Nines on radio?
Yes, the Auckland Nines tournament will be broadcast LIVE and exclusive across Australia on Triple M in Sydney and Brisbane.
The Auckland Nines - Live and in full on Triple M and via the Triple M NRL App.
Saturday, 4 February
Triple M Sydney 104.9 FM. Live coverage from 12pm (AEDT) and Triple M Brisbane 104.5 FM. Live coverage from 11am (AEST)
Sunday, 5 February
Triple M Sydney 104.9 FM (AEDT). Live coverage from 8.30am (AEDT) and Triple M Brisbane 104.5 FM. Live coverage from 7.30am (AEST)
The Bulldogs Auckland Nines squad!
Josh Reynolds (c), Brad Abbey, Tom Carr, Matt Frawley, Danny Fualalo, Craig Garvey, Kerrod Holland, Sam Kasiano, David Klemmer, Lachlan Lewis, Michael Lichaa, Rhyse Martin, D'Rhys Miller, Marcelo Montoya, Tyrone Phillips, Reimis Smith, Renouf To'omaga, Francis Tualau.
2017 Auckland Nines Jersey Available NOW!
What are the rules of the Auckland Nines?
1. Game
Each match shall consist of two equal halves of nine minutes. A half time period of two (2) minutes shall apply to all matches.
Each Club must nominate a team comprising of 14 players and a total of five interchange players may be used on an unlimited interchange basis throughout the match and no more than three players may be involved in the interchange process at any one time.
2. Scrums
All scrums shall be formed with a maximum of five players from each team (three players in the front row and two in the second row).
3. Points
A try counts for four points except for those tries scored in the ‘Bonus Zone’ which will be worth five points. The ‘Bonus Zone’ is a marked box located in the in-goal area.
All try conversions shall be taken by way of dropkick in line with where the try was scored and will count for two points.
All penalty kicks at goal shall be taken by way of a drop kick from the point at which the penalty is awarded and will be worth two points.
A field goal in general play shall be awarded as one point.
4. Shot Clock
Immediately following the Referee signalling the awarding of a try, the scoring team will have a maximum period of 25 seconds to complete the conversion.
5. Restarts
All kick offs to re-start play, other than for the start of each half, shall be taken by way of drop-kick and must travel 10 metres in a forward direction.
The zero tackle rule on 20-matre tap restarts will not be in play.
6. The Sin Bin
The period of temporary suspension shall be a maximum of three (3) minutes or, in the event that a match is completed within this period, the period of temporary suspension shall be until the completion of the match.
7. Tackle Count
A team in possession of the football shall be allowed four successive play the balls
8. Extra Time – Golden Try
If scores are level at the completion of a qualifying match, five minutes of 'Extra Time - Golden Try' will be played. The winner of the match shall be determined to be the team which scores the first try in this period of play. If no one scores, the match will be deemed a draw.
For all Finals’ matches (Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and Final), the match will continue until a try is scored.
9. Free Play
The rule is aimed at allowing the team which gains possession from a mistake to attempt a high risk play without fear of losing advantage.
Under the rule, the referee will call "zero tackle" when a team gains possession from a knock on, forward pass or accidental offside.
That will signal a "free play" which will enable the team which gains possession to have an extended advantage. This means they will retain the ball even if they make a mistake.
The advantage will only be complete if the team scores, if a player commits foul play or a player with the ball is tackled. If the ball is dropped or lost before the next play the ball, the referee will order a play the ball at the point of the original infringement.
The Bulldogs have been grouped with the Cronulla Sharks, Gold Coast Titans and Penrith Panthers.
