Rugby League World Cup fan celebrations Auckland fireworks petrol stations arrests, Digi Mart USA News (Auckland, New Zealand): League celebrations at the weekend turned unruly when supporters in Auckland began throwing fireworks into petrol stations and bottles at police officers. While most fans showed their support for their teams respectfully, police reported having to arrest 13 people.
Counties Manukau district commander Superintendent Shanan Gray said the offenders’ behaviour was concerning and dangerous. “Saturday night saw several examples of poor behaviour, with bottles thrown at police and fireworks fired towards and into petrol stations,” he said.
“This was unacceptable and created significant safety risks for officers and attendees.”
Residents were also affected by the rowdiness, which police tried to contain. “Police are aware that some locals were disrupted by noise generated during celebrations,” Gray said.
“Officers continued working hard to manage the impact these gatherings have on locals while contending with significant crowd numbers and small groups of unruly fans.”
The Pacific Island teams in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup semifinals all bowed out of finals contention over the weekend. Due to recent disturbances across the country caused by Rugby League World Cup fans, police said they would maintain a presence in many town centres to monitor gatherings and celebrations.
