A NRL Nines post-event results media conference was held in Auckland this morning. NRL, Duco, Dick Smith, the Vodafone Warriors and other stakeholders in the inaugural event held back in February, were present for the announcements made, including the $9.35mil boost to Auckland's economy.
But a second year of this auspicious competition has already hit its first hurdle; as it stands, the Auckland NRL Nines will clash with the 2015 Cricket World Cup at Eden Park.
A contract between Eden Park and Cricket World Cup 2015 states, "the ground must not host any events in the 30 days leading up to the first match between New Zealand and Australia on February 28 at Eden Park."
This means no events will be allowed to be held at Auckland's biggest stadium from January 27.
This isn't the first time the Cricket World Cup has clashed with a major event.
The national Te Matatini kapa haka festival, which attracts tens of thousands of supporters, was originally scheduled for February 2015 at Christchurch's Hagley Park, but has since moved to March 4-8 to make way for the cricket.