The Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines event has been globally recognised in its first year with a prestigious sporting award.





The Nines, staged by the NRL in Auckland in February, won Best Home-Grown Event in the SportBusiness International Awards for 2014.





The Awards, which are held every two years, are internationally recognised for ranking the best sports cities and events.





NRL CEO, Mr Dave Smith, said the Nines had added a new dimension to the Rugby League pre-season.





"The Nines is a great event - featuring fast, exciting football - which played to sell-out crowds in Auckland in its first year," he said.





"Full credit to everyone involved in the competition for picking up such a prestigious award."





Mr Smith noted that Melbourne won the Award for Best Venues in the SportBusiness Awards.





"That is great news for Melbourne but it again reinforces the need for improved stadia in Sydney," he said.





"Unfortunately the overall standard of stadia in Sydney has not kept pace with other cities and it is something we need to address."



