Adam Blair is the first player to be named in the Brisbane Broncos squad that will play in the Downer NRL Auckland Nines tournament at Eden Park this weekend (6-7 February).
While the rest of his team will be taking the more conventional route and flying to Auckland, Adam and his family set sail on board P&O’s Pacific Pearl NRL Auckland Nines themed cruise from Sydney.
Adam joins other league legends including Laurie Daley, Matt Cooper and Dan Hunt who are cruising to the Auckland Nines with die-hard Australian league fans who have booked a cruise Nines package.
Despite the Broncos being in full training mode for the season, with the help of Adam’s personal trainer wife Jess, Adam will be making the most of the ship's fitness facilities to keep in top shape for the games ahead.
“It’s fantastic to have made the cut to play in the Downer NRL Auckland Nines, it’s such a great weekend of footy. The Broncos are more determined than ever to take the trophy home this time,” he says.
“It’s also a bit of a novelty to cruise on-board a P&O ship to Auckland. I’m looking forward to checking out the gym, fitness classes and outdoor training spaces. Family time is really important so I can’t wait to have a bit of down time to play with my son and wife, relax by the pool and eat in a few of the restaurants.”
Adam and Jess visited Auckland in December as part of a joint marketing campaign with Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) and Tourism New Zealand to help show Australians coming to the Nines that Auckland offers plenty of action off the field too.
ATEED Chief Executive Brett O’Riley says, “Adam and Jess have been great ambassadors for Auckland.
"The Nines is the only event of its kind in Australasia, and as a result we’re seeing thousands of Australians coming over each year for the tournament.”
