Fans flock to Eden Park for this year's NRL Auckland Nines

Hear from he Captains and coaches after the test, the Kiwis forwards paved the way for their side's thrilling Four Nations final win over the Kangaroos in Wellington on Saturday night. Their efforts were overshadowed by a stunning individual performance from halfback Shaun Johnson but the big men were just as deserving of praise and attention.

English league hooker Josh Hodgson attended a party at a student flat where he ran into and crashed through a door, wrecking it. This is what the crash looked like from the other side of the door. Video / YouTube / Otago Daily Times

English league hooker Josh Hodgson attended a party at a student flat where he ran into and crashed through a door, wrecking it. This is what the crash looked like from one side of the door. Video / YouTube / jonnyomc

The Warriors season came to a spirit-crushing end at the hands of a clinical Panthers side at Penrith tonight.

The Warriors' will have to vastly improve their discipline if they hope to topple the Roosters this weekend.

The message behind the 'Don't be an Egg' video is that sports' people wear their heart on their sleeves, they become passionate. Its ok to be passionate,its ok to support your team; its ok to yell encouragement. BUT It's not OK to lose your temper on the sideline. Courtesy Rugby League Northland/YouTube

In the highly regulated world of professional sports, it's natural young athletes will look to find a way to "unwind" away from the playing field.

The Auckland team scored their first victory of 2014 - and their first win in Townsville for 12 years - with a gutsy display that showed what they are capable of.

City leaders are breathing a sigh of relief after Auckland made it through what has been described as one of its "greatest weekends".

The ceremony, which welcomed all 16 teams, was held at Aotea Square in Auckland this afternoon.

16 teams will compete in the first NRL Auckland Nines, attracting more than 90,000 fans through the gates of Eden Park. The players are just as excited as the fans in the new concept of the game and not really knowing how to play but they know the quicker you adapt the better your chance at winning.

Melbourne Storm were amongst fans during their visit to the home ground of the Manurewa Marlins. All 16 teams of the NRL were out in the Auckland community in a first ever initiative as part of the Auckland Nines.

Some Auckland residents are concerned that more than 90,000 possibly alcohol-fuelled fans could converge on Eden Park for the NRL Nines this weekend.

Police are expecting a "huge" weekend as thousands of people flock to various events around Auckland, with crowds expected to be the biggest since the Rugby World Cup.

Finding a bed in Auckland becomes near impossible as three big events draw thousands.

Organisers of the NRL Auckland Nines have installed temporary seating to increase Eden Park's capacity after the event sold out.

As the champagne flowed for the Australian side, the tears flowed for the Kiwis after they were humbled 34-2 in this morning's World Cup final. It brought to an end what had been a promising campaign but highlighted why Australia have been the dominant rugby league nation for some time. Even though the Kiwis won the 2008 World Cup, they could never really have claimed to be the best side around.

Sonny Bill Williams on his journey to become the cross-code legend has been named the Rugby League International Federation Player of the year for 2013. Courtesy of Rugby League World Cup TV

When the Kiwis won the World Cup in 2008, it came as a surprise. A lot has changed in five years but New Zealand are still underdogs for Sunday morning's World Cup final against Australia at Old Trafford.

Eden Park will be at near capacity for the inaugural Auckland's NRL Nines tournament judging by current ticket sales, organisers predict.

Images of the NRL grand final between the Roosters and Sea Eagles.

The prospect of a booze-fuelled Wellington Sevens-style crowd marauding around Mt Eden and Sandringham hasn't gone down well with residents.

The world of rugby league has changed forever after an announcement that Auckland has secured a 5-year deal to host the Auckland NRL Nines. All of the 16 franchises will take part in the tournament at Eden Park on February 15th & 16th, which is likely to attract up to 96,000 fans.

Ratepayers will contribute up to $12 million over the next five years towards the Auckland NRL Nines tournament, which will be officially launched today.

It's hoped a new nine-a-side tournament will help kick-start the League season, but its undistinguished history means it's not without risk. Yours, as a ratepayer.

The Warriors played their round thirteen home game against the Manly Sea Eagles at Mount Smart Stadium.