Penrith excitement machine James Segeyaro has watched plenty of Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines football on TV, but is yet to play in the tournament. He says he would love to fill in that gap come February, when the event is held for the third time.
"I haven't played in either of the two Nines so far, which is quite frustrating," star hooker Segeyaro says. "It's a good concept, a great fit for rugby league and it's good to see something different.
"It's really exciting. I know I watch every game when it's on and from what I've heard it's a great weekend over there for the boys and the New Zealand people. The fans get dressed up in costumes to support it.
"I'd love to play in it with the Panthers - it would be awesome. It's fast-paced and high energy and I think it would really suit my style of football."
The 2016 event will be held at Eden Park in Auckland on 6-7 February and tickets to "The Greatest Weekend" are now available at prices ranging from just $NZD69 (approx. $AUD61) for a two-day pass.
Tickets for children are available at half the adult price in most categories.
The biggest stars in the NRL, representing all 16 clubs, will again be playing in the event - including superstars Billy Slater and Shaun Johnson, who have each nominated the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines as their comeback date from major injuries that ended their 2015 NRL seasons early.
Speaking alongside Slater at the ticket launch media event, Panthers star Matt Moylan said he was excited about the prospect of being part of the Nines concept.
"Nines is a great way to start the Rugby League year and I certainly hope to be a part of it in 2016," he said.
"The players certainly enjoy playing that type of football and it’s obviously great for the fans, who get to see every team in the NRL in the same ground on the same weekend."
It is going to be a great opportunity for league fans to see the best players in the game exercising their super skills on an open field.
There is nothing like this tournament for excitement, with NRL teams facing up against NRL teams in quick succession over one action-packed weekend leading up to the final prize.
The fans will also be able to get up close and personal and watch teams go through their warm-ups for games on the number one field.
There will be a whopping $NZ2.6 million in prizemoney up for grabs at the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines. Don't miss it. This is your chance to see the greatest rugby league players in the world really turning it on for the fans.
BOOK NOW: nrl.com/tickets
TRAVEL PACKAGES ALSO ON-SALE
3 x night packages incl airfares, transfers, accomm and 2 x day ticket from $1,399 pp
4 x night packages incl airfares, transfers, accomm and 2 x day ticket $1,464 pp
5 x night packages incl airfares, transfers, accomm and 2 x day ticket from $1,554 pp
Quote your club PANTHERS when you book your travel package: https://www.sportsnetholidays.com/events/rugby-league/auckland-nines/
