Posted by RLPA
Eels and Ferns triumph in Auckland Nines
Parramatta has secured the 2016 Downer NRL Auckland Nines following a 22-4 victory over the Warriors in the final while the Ferns triumphed over the Jillaroos in the women’s competition.
Eels captain Corey Norman was named the tournament’s most valuable player following the final, at Eden Park.
Norman joined his teammates Bevan French, who finished the tournament with eight tries, as well as Semi Radradra, in the Team of the Tournament.
The Eels had beaten Newcastle in the quarter finals and Melbourne in the semi finals on their way to the final.
In the women’s series, the NZ Kiwi Ferns won both matches on Sunday to secure the Nines series 2-1.
NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg commended the efforts of all those involved, including tournament partners ATEED and Duco Events.
“Once again, we have seen both a wonderful exhibition of rugby league as well as incredible colour not only at Eden Park but in the days leading up to the tournament,” Mr Greenberg said.
“The Club visits on Thursday were incredibly popular and the players were great ambassadors – as they were again during Friday’s Fan Day.
“It was great to see the first serious rugby league of 2016.
“We would like to thank the city of Auckland and the fans who came out. Auckland has again put on a fantastic show.”
Most Valuable Players
- NRL – Corey Norman
- Elite Women – Georgia Hale
Team of the Tournament
- Tom Trbojevic (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
- Corey Norman (Parramatta Eels)
- Bevan French (Parramatta Eels)
- Shaun Johnson (Warriors)
- Tuimoala Lolohea (Warriors)
- Agnatius Paasi (Gold Coast Titans)
- Tohu Harris (Melbourne Storm)
- Chris McQueen (Gold Coast Titans)
- Semi Radradra (Parramatta Eels)
Day Two Results
- Sydney Roosters 26 d Melbourne Storm 7
- Parramatta Eels 24 d South Sydney Rabbitohs 11
- Newcastle Knights 21 d Wests Tigers 16
- North Queensland Cowboys 15 d Penrith Panthers 11
- Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs 14 d Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 8
- New Zealand Warriors 15 d Brisbane Broncos 8
- Gold Coast Titans 24 d St George Illawarra Dragons 12
- Canberra Raiders 18 d Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 6
Quarter Finals
- Parramatta Eels 12 d Newcastle Knights 8
- Melbourne Storm 14 d North Queensland Cowboys 6
- Warriors 16 d Canberra Raiders 8
- Gold Coast Titans 24 d Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 4
Semi Finals
- Parramatta Eels 17 d Melbourne Storm 8
- Warriors 22 d Gold Coast Titans 4
Final
- Parramatta Eels 22 d Warriors 4
Elite Women’s Series
- Kiwi Ferns 9 d Jillaroos 0
- Kiwi Ferns 21 d Jillaroos 7
Photos: The Kiwi Ferns and Parramatta Eels celebrate their victories (nrlphotos.com)