Rugby league superstar Jarryd Hayne is the latest big name to commit to next year's NRL Auckland Nines.
The Gold Coast Titans fullback will join a host of other marquee players, including the Cowboys' Johnathan Thurston, at Eden Park for the event, which continues to grow in popularity.
Hayne has enjoyed a glittering career in rugby league, scooping two Dally M player of the year awards before leaving the sport to chase his NFL dream with the San Francisco 49ers in 2015.
The 28-year-old said that the Auckland Nines is a competition he's always wanted to play in.
"It's a great concept and something I've been watching over the years," Hayne said.
"To be apart of it next year, I'm looking forward to it. It's a great couple of days, and it's great to see the fans and how they get involved with it too, it's always a special thing."
Hayne also said that he's hoping to be at peak fitness for the tournament.
"I had an opportunity in 2014 but I came back a bit late to pre-season because of the World Cup.
"They normally want you to do the training for a little longer to be able to play in the competition. I start training in 2 weeks and will be raring to go come February."
After a short-lived run with the 49ers and then the Fijian sevens squad, Hayne returned to the NRL late in the 2016, signing a lucrative two-year deal with the Titans.
The Auckland Nines take place at Eden Park on February 4th and 5th.
Newshub.