The NRL has suspended the Auckland Nines for 2018 but insists the pre-season tournament has a future beyond next year.
The league has blamed a packed rugby league schedule due to this year’s World Cup, which runs to December 2.
The event has endured the same fate as the All Stars fixture, which also won’t be held again before 2019.
The NRL also confirmed it is seeking expressions of interest to hold the Nines – which has been played at Eden Park since its inception in 2014 – elsewhere.
The event in New Zealand’s biggest city has been under a cloud after a drop in this year’s ticket sales, with around 22,000 spectators attending compared to sell-outs in previous years.
Organisers Duco Events have previously called for the event to be moved to Australia and the NRL said there is every chance that will happen.
But a return to New Zealand also remained on the table for future editions, NRL chief commercial officer Andrew Abdo said.
Roknrol joe
Guest
Should hold a tournament in port moresby
J.C.
Roar Pro
I think Melbourne, Adeliade or Perth. If the league wants to expand hold it somewhere growth for the game would benefit.
Andrew
Guest
agreed. Buried in Origin coverage
Shaun
Guest
Good call. Also, moving it around makes the most sense. Dont know why it hasnt happened... Duco too lazy to think about a different venue each year??
Mantra
Guest
The timing of the announcement is telling..
Kreig
Guest
The Nines should be held in a different city each year. Perth and Adelaide already have great facilities and infrastructure, and it would be an exciting way to spread the game. If it was held here in NZ every third or fourth year, for example, it would be a sell-out. Same if you held it in any city or large regional centre in Australia.