NRL Auckland Nines organisers have announced tweaks to traditional rugby league rules for the inaugural tournament in February – including the introduction of five-point tries.

The two-day tournament at Eden Park will feature five-point tries awarded to teams who score in a “bonus zone” in the in-goal area between the goal posts.

All other tries are still worth four points.

The goalkicking rules of sevens rugby union have been borrowed, with all shots at goal to be drop kicks rather than place kicks.

The games will comprise two nine-minute halves, with each team allowed five tackles in possession, rather than six.

A game which is level at fulltime will be decided by the first team to score a “golden try” in extra time.

All 16 NRL clubs will contest the 31-game tournament.