The Dyldam Parramatta Eels will play the opening game of the 2015 Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines, after being drawn in ‘Rangitoto’ Pool A for the second year of competition.
The Manly Sea Eagles, Newcastle Knights and St George Illawarra Dragons will be the Eels’ opposition for the two-day event, to be held at Auckland’s Eden Park on January 31 and February 1.
For the first time, the NRL has announced the Australian and New Zealand women’s rugby league teams, the Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns, will also take part in the Nines tournament, playing three matches during the event.
Parramatta Eels hooker Nathan Peats was at the draw announcement, and says he’s looking forward to taking on some quality opposition.
“I really enjoyed the Nines this year, all the teams brought some young talent and the format was very different and exciting,” Peats said.
“Everyone dressed up and got into the spirit of things, and it’s a great way to test yourself before the NRL trials and the start of the season.”
The Eels’ draw is as follows:
Day 1
Game 1 vs Sea Eagles
Game 9 vs Knights
Day 2
Game 17 vs Dragons
Finals TBC
Click here to see the full draw and all the pools for the 2015 Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines!
Travel packages are available by clicking here, with tickets on sale to the general public on October 9.
