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Regional | Auckland

Aotea Centre fanzone central for NRL Nines fans

Thousands of rugby league fans gathered at Aotea Square in Auckland to get up close with NRL Nine players from all 16 NRL clubs.

Dragons player Benji Marshall is excited to be involved with the Nines having missed out of the first tournament last year when he signed to play rugby for the Blues.

Marshall believes the nines a side will suit his style of play, and feels that he's back at his best.

Marshall's rejuvenated career in the NRL has allowed him stamp his mark in the Dragons' jersey.

Manly and Kiwi fullback Pita Hiku is raring to go and fancies their chances of winning the tournament.

Last night's NRL season launch was a historical moment for New Zealand Rugby league.

Raelene Castle, chief executive of the Canterbury Bulldogs, says the night represented the many successes for the game here in Aotearoa.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves have been named co-captains of the Roosters Auckland Nines squad alongside Mitchell Pearce.

Both Waerea-Hargreaves and Marshall will also push to make a return to the Kiwis later in the year for the ANZAC Test.

Games kick off at 12:30pm tomorrow at Eden Park, there are still tickets available.