2020 Rabbitoh News - Return of NRL Nines in 2020

Return of NRL Nines in 2020

22nd October 2019

Perth will host the return of the NRL and NRLW Nines in 2020 with a two-day summer festival of footy. Fans will be asked to wear their boldest and brightest summer outfits for the competition at HBF Park in Perth on Friday 14 February and Saturday 15 February. NRL Head of Elite Football, Graham Annesley today joined West Australian Tourism Minister, Paul Papalia and Sports Minister, Mick Murray at Scarborough Beach to launch the event. All 16 NRL and 4 NRLW Clubs will participate across the two days. NRL Nines will feature four men's pools and up to 25 matches, while the women's clubs will complete in a round-robin style tournament. Mr Annesley said Perth was the perfect venue to host the event on the back of the overwhelming success of Holden State of Origin this year. "The sell-out crowd in Perth for State of Origin highlighted how much interest West Australians have in rugby league and we are committed to growing the game here," he said. "There are few better destinations than summer in Perth and we want this event to be a summer vibes festival. We’re looking forward to seeing a stadium of colour to kick-off our 2020 season." Mr Annesley said Nines would showcase the best rugby league talent from across the game. "Nine's is the fastest form of our game. It shows the speed, agility and attacking prowess of our most exciting players. There's a lot on the line this year - any club who can win both the Nines and the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final will collect $1 million in prizemoney for the season." WA Tourism Minister, Paul Papalia said the state was excited to land another major NRL event. "We're thrilled to have locked in the best in Rugby League, playing in the fun, fast, Nine's format," he said. "We have earned our stripes by hosting some blockbuster NRL games in Perth, showing just how popular the sport is here in WA and how well we host big events. "This is another chance for people to get their mates together and enjoy another rugby league first for WA with the Nines tournament." Mr Annesley thanked the West Australian Government for their commitment to rugby league. "Our partnership with the WA Government is growing stronger every year. Their commitment to hosting rugby league events in Perth will inject more visitors into the city and more money into the local economy."