Following its successful launch last year the Sportsafe Auckland Rugby League Nines is returning to the Coromandel next weekend.

Six Auckland Premiership teams will battle it out for bragging rights and the Nines trophy when they take to the field down at Lyon Park in Whitianga on Saturday and Sunday, February 26-27.

The Sportsafe Auckland Rugby League Nines returns to Lyon Park in Whitianga next weekend. Photo: ARL/Facebook

ARL sponsorship and events manager Troy Hardy says Whitianga proved a big hit with players as it is a great venue for footy and allows players and team staff to involve their families.

But the organisation is not one to rest on its laurels, with Troy promising this year's tournament will be bigger and brighter.

'The feedback we received from last year's tournament was fantastic. The players, team staff and fans all enjoyed themselves, and Whitianga proved an ideal venue.

'We look forward to the occasion of playing riverside in beautiful Whitianga again. If you're after some of the best domestic rugby league in the country, make sure you get down to Lyon Park next weekend.”

The teams competing in the tournament are defending champions Papakura Sea Eagles, Manurewa Marlins, Howick Hornets, Otara Scorpions, Glenora Bears, and Ngaruawahia who'll represent the Waikato.

All six teams play each other in the qualifying pool with the top three going through to the championship section and the bottom three into the plate. From there, each team will play each other once with the two highest qualifiers playing in the grand final.

Games kick off on Friday afternoon at 3pm, with the last game scheduled for 8pm. Plate and championship rounds will continue on Saturday with kick-off at 11am.

For more information visit the Auckland Rugby League website at: www.aucklandleague.co.nz