The Newcastle Knights is proud to unveil the Auckland Nines jersey to be worn during the 2015 tournament next month.
Knight Dane Gagai was among representatives from all 16 of the NRL Clubs to join NRL Head of Commercial Paul Kind and Dick Smith Director of Marketing Neil Merola to launch the 2015 Nines jerseys at the Dick Smith store on George Street in Sydney.
The Knights' Auckland Nines jersey concept was conceived by imagining a set of plate armour and draws inspiration from the 18th century French horse Carabiner units which rose to prominence during the Napoleonic War. These elite heavy cavalry units boosted morale for their allies and struck fear in their foes when on the battlefield.
The Auckland Nines jersey, as well as other products from the 2015 Knights merchandise range are onsale now at the Newcastle Knights Club Shop, and go onsale instore Friday from 9am.
The $2.4 million Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines tournament will be held on Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1 at Auckland’s Eden Park next year.
The event will also include a nine-a-side match-up between the current women's World Champions the Jillaroos against New Zealand's Kiwi Ferns.
“The success of this year’s tournament, which attracted over 90,000 fans and many star NRL players, shows that this event has the potential to be New Zealand's biggest summer event,” Mr Kind said. “It is a fantastic opportunity for fans to see all 16 clubs in the one place at Eden Park.
“This is also an opportunity to grow our game in New Zealand and for our clubs and players to share in the spectacle.”
“The Auckland Nines tournament was huge last year, with a sell-out crowd of over 90,000 in two days, and next year’s tournament will be even bigger. Having players from all 16 NRL clubs, dressed in their Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines kits, visit our flagship Sydney store is a great way to kick things off," Mr Merola added.
Since the NRL, in partnership with Duco Events and Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) announced that the Nines would be held at Eden Park on January 31 and February 1, tickets for the 2015 tournament have been selling fast.
For more information and to purchase tickets to the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines, visit www.ticketek.co.nz/nrlakl9s
Travel packages are available from Sportsnet Holidays www.sportsnetholidays.com and tickets can be purchased from Ticketek.
2015 Auckland Nines Pool Draw
Rangitoto Pool: Eels, Sea Eagles, Knights, Dragons
Waiheke Pool: Storm, Cowboys, Panthers, Rabbitohs
Piha Pool: Roosters, Broncos, Bulldogs, Sharks
Hunua Ranges Pool: Tigers, Warriors, Raiders, Titans
