Prolific try-scorer and fan favourite Edrick Lee is hoping he finally gets the chance to play in the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines in February after being on the edge of his seat watching the television coverage the first two years.
Tickets for the most thrilling event in rugby league can be purchased through the NRL on www.nrl.com/tickets (further details below).
"I've been out injured when the Nines was on the first two years, but every time I watched it I was on the edge of my seat," Lee says. "To see all the exciting players from my own club and all of the other clubs playing under that format is great.
"I'd love to play in the next one. It looks like a lot of fun - I think it would be unreal to play in it. Hopefully, I'll get the nod to play. There's a bit more open space and a lot more one-on-one situations where you can take on a defender.
"It looks like a great weekend for the players and the fans, with a lot of atmosphere. Nines is a really good game - you've still got to have a tough middle and then your outside backs can take advantage. I'd grab it with both hands if I got the chance to play. I'd really enjoy the week."
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.
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:
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
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For enquiries head to:
https://www.sportsnetholidays.com/events/rugby-league/auckland-nines/
