The NRL will spend more than $200,000 on security measures at the Auckland Nines to ensure there is no repeat of the atrocities that have marred the off-season.

At a time when the focus normally shifts to summer sports, rugby league continues to generate headlines because of player misbehaviour. Promising Manly forward Jamil Hopoate was sentenced to at least a year in jail for assaulting a man outside a northern beaches hotel on Wednesday, just weeks after teammate Zane Tetevano's contract was torn up after he admitted in court to bashing his girlfriend on four occasions. On Thursday – the day all 16 NRL clubs unveiled their Nines jerseys in the George St store of main sponsor Dick Smith – Greg Bird was facing a Titans' tribunal after urinating on or near a police car. The dramas follow domestic-assault allegations against South Sydney players Cody Walker and Kirisome Auva'a.

Unwanted attention: Greg Bird's public urination was one of many atrocities suffered by the NRL this off-season. Credit:Anthony Johnson

With more than 250 players converging on Auckland for the second edition of the Nines, there are fears there could be more off-field scandal, particularly as teams unwind after being eliminated from finals contention. Which is why the NRL will spare no expense on preventative measures, including employing hundreds of security staff and minders to minimise risk.

"Our expenditure on security is not a direct result of any major problems [from last year], it's about having a safe and appropriate environment for the fans and players," said Duco Events director David Higgins, the promoter of the tournament.