Melbourne set to steal Auckland Nines as bidding war intensifies

THE NRL is looking to take the Nines tournament to Melbourne to cash in on the tourism generated by the Australian Open tennis.

• Panthers CEO blasts Auckland Nines
• Brad Fittler’s swipe at Phil Gould over Nines

THE NRL is looking to take the Nines tournament to Melbourne to cash in on the tourism generated by the Australian Open tennis.

The Auckland Nines contract expires next year and the Victorian government is already bidding to host the 2019 event.

It would be played the week after the Australian Open final at AAMI Stadium.

Other venues to be considered are Gold Coast, Townsville (when the new stadium is completed), Newcastle and Suncorp Stadium.

Perth is also seen as a great opportunity for future events.

Clearly the interest in the tournament in Auckland was huge in year one but has been waning ever since.

Will Melbourne win rights to the 2019 Auckland Nines?

The NRL sees the Nines as a huge promotional opportunity in Melbourne.

It gives AFL fans a sample of fast open rugby league and a chance to see players from every team in the one venue on the one weekend.

The timing is also perfect ... it would be held the weekend after the Australian Open tennis while the city is in a sporting mood. Some international visitors could stay for the next event.

NRL is already talking with several State Governments interested in hosting the event.

The NRL has come under fire from leading figures in the game, including Phil Gould, over the tournament.

Others like legend Brad Fittler see it as the future of the game, likening the shorter format to the popular Big Bash cricket.