With revenue from ticket sales having already exceeded any previous rugby league event in this country, Auckland's NRL Nines tournament appears likely to be a success.
Event promoter David Higgins said general admission ticket sales for the February 15 and 16 tournament had already passed the five-figure mark, generating over $1.5 million in revenue.
The previous highest gate take for a league event is understood to be about $1 million for a sold-out Warriors finals match at Mt Smart Stadium.
"We're currently in the region of $1.5 million revenue on general admission gate alone," Mr Higgins said.
The encouraging early ticket sales figures, which include over 10,000 sales to key market Australia, indicated the event - which is backed by up to $12 million of ratepayer money over the next five years - would be a financial success.
"One of the most nervous aspects of being a promoter is that first 24 hours when things go on sale," Mr Higgins said.
"That's when you know straight away that your event is hot or it is not. We were very happy with the first 24 hours and right now our total ticket revenue will be a New Zealand record for rugby league. We are going to have a fairly full Eden Park."
He said staging the event was hugely expensive.
Physiotherapy costs for the 16 clubs alone would run to $50,000.
New South Wales and Australia stars Paul Gallen and Todd Carney are in Auckland promoting the event.
Both said they would be playing and were looking forward to breaking up their regular pre-season routine with a trip to Auckland.
The prospect of a bumper payday from the $2.5 million prize pool was enticing, said Gallen.
"We all love our money, let's be honest," Gallen said.
"It's a good incentive for clubs and players to play their best. It is only nine-minute halves so it is not going to be as physically taxing or draining. And there is a lot of reward in it. It's a lot better idea than playing trial games."
Carney played in the world nines tournament last held in Sydney in 2003 as a 17-year-old and loved it.
"It's going to be great," he said.
"I'm excited about playing but I'm also excited about sitting and watching some great players who are going to have so much space and what they are going to do with it. It's a massive development for the game and definitely massive for New Zealand. I know if I was a kid I'd want to go and watch it."
Carney confirmed he had come very close to signing with the Warriors recently as he has a strong friendship with coach Matthew Elliott.
" ... but I wasn't ready to leave Sydney for five years."