NRL club visits run smoothly

‘‘The turnout was fantastic, a way bigger crowd...this time we had people from all over Auckland, NZ and Australia.’’

The Hawks and the Marlins have made strong cases for hosting NRL teams again next year.

The Auckland Rugby League says as much after acknowledging the efforts of the Mangere East Hawks and the Manurewa Marlins in hosting Auckland Nines teams the West Tigers, Brisbane Broncos, the Gold Coast Titans, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Canberra Raiders and the Paramatta Eels last Thursday.

It’s the first time in the history of the tournament that the clubs have had to host as many teams.

They also entertained some 6,000 wide-eyed fans

Auckland Rugby League’s football administration officer Juanita Woodhouse says the organisation was outstanding.

‘‘Both Manurewa and Mangere have had some experience in hosting NRL teams in previous years. But having to host three teams this year was a challenge.

‘‘They both did an incredible job and the Auckland Rugby League are confident that they can handle it again next year.’’

Football development officer, James Pulehega says Mangere nailed it.

‘‘The Hawks did an outstanding job of hosting. They had everything from food, on-field activities, a photo booth for fans to take selfies with their favourite players and they were lucky enough to have the Rugby League World Cup on display too.

‘‘They were running on a tight schedule and they nailed it. Credit to Tasha (Tasmania) and Valerie (Lui) and the clubs committee members and volunteers.

Tasmania, club chairwoman, says the effort was worth it.

‘‘I was wrapped with layout and way the schedule was delivered as planned. The turnout was fantastic, a way bigger crowd from the previous years.

‘‘This time we had people from all over Auckland, NZ and Australia.

‘‘I was more thankful then anything for the NRL club visits and the joy and happiness it brought to our kids faces, those smiles are priceless

‘‘We’ll do it again next year, if asked.’’

Nearly 100 children registered to be Mangere East Hawks on the day.

And in other league news, the Papakura Sea Eagles will defend their Sport Safe Auckland Rugby League Nines at the Hibiscus Coast Barracudas in Whangaparoa on February 18