The 2016 NRL Auckland Nines pools have been announced with defending champions South Sydney to play arch rivals Sydney Roosters in the opening match of the tournament.

Hosts and perennial favourites New Zealand Warriors have been pitted against the new-look Manly Sea Eagles, Canterbury and 2015 NRL Grand Finalists Brisbane in what should be a very entertaining pool.

The Rangitoto and Piha pools see the most opportunity for all teams with Rangitoto boasting Newcastle, North Queensland, Penrith and Wests Tigers. While the Cowboys are defending NRL Premiers it’s safe to say they won’t have their top team at the event with a trial match on the same weekend as World Club Challenge preparations going into overdrive.

In the final pool, St. George Illawarra will come up against little brother Cronulla with new Canberra recruit Aidan Sezer set to play former club Gold Coast Titans.

Each nine-a-side game is played over two nine-minute halves, with clubs naming a squad of 18 for the tournament. $NZ2.6 million in prize money is up for grabs in the 2016 tournament.

Pool Hunua: Bulldogs, Sea Eagles, Warriors, Broncos
Pool Waiheke: Roosters, Rabbitohs, Eels, Storm
Pool Rangitoto: Knights, Cowboys, Panthers, Wests Tigers
Pool Piha: Dragons, Raiders, Sharks, Titans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMX39Ypa25c

Video Source: OneRawProduction OPR