Sam Tomkins has come clean about the real reason why he left the New Zealand Warriors.

Drizzling rain couldn't dampen the spirits of thousands of rugby league supporters who descended on central Auckland today to party with their sporting heroes.

Shaun Johnson was mobbed like a rock star as thousands of league supporters descended on central Auckland yesterday to party with their sporting heroes.

The Kiwis fullback will tomorrow takes his first bow for the Warriors as part of the home side at the annual Nines event.

If someone was compiling a "how to" guide, those who have achieved success have some key points to share.

Eight young Queensland players have been banned for 12 months after breaking curfew on a boozy night out.

All eyes will be on the 25-year old Warriors Nines captain as he makes his long-awaited playing return after recovering from the broken ankle that ruined his 2015 NRL season.

The Warriors and expectation have always been uncomfortable bedfellows, but forward Ryan Hoffman believes his team can handle the hype ahead of the Auckland NRL Nines.

Reports out of Australia claim the Sydney Roosters are sending out an SOS NRL offer to Sonny Bill Williams for this year's NRL season.

Ben Henry has a simple goal this season: "Get through the year injury-free and, hopefully, at the end of it, not have any surgeries - that would be nice."

The identity of the man who is alleged to have sold the footage of NRL player Mitchell Pearce drunk and simulating sex with a dog, has been posted on social media.

The potentially damaging series of mobile phone text message includes new allegations surrounding the night which has left Pearce's NRL career in jeopardy.

A shattered Mitchell Pearce has addressed the media for the first time about the Australia Day scandal that threatens to derail his career.

The attacking brilliance of Carlos Spencer is perhaps without peer, but the former All Black, Blues and Auckland rugby playmaker makes no secret that he used to borrow from Australian league immortal Andrew Johns' extensive bag of tricks.

The Roosters have again attracted unwanted off-field attention, with Martin Kennedy following Mitchell Pearce into infamy.

Details have emerged over why Hollywood star Russell Crowe was forced to apologise to one of his players following an argument.

Warriors coach Andrew McFadden must undertake a delicate balancing act over the next fortnight - even before the NRL season begins.