The NRL integrity unit is investigating crowd conduct after bottles, cups and other items were thrown toward match officials at the end of Newcastle's 12-10 semifinal win over the Warriors at Eden Park.
ABC News and AAP reported that security personnel formed a protective group around referee Ashley Klein and the officiating team as they left the field. The league said spectators found responsible could face bans under its spectator code of conduct.
Auckland police said there had been no arrests connected with the throwing of objects. Two separate pitch invaders were recorded during the match.
The official NRL match report recorded a crowd of 48,511, described as the largest attendance for a rugby league match in New Zealand. Newcastle's victory ended the Warriors' season and advanced the Knights in the finals series.
Sources: ABC News/AAP, 21 September 2026; NRL match report.
Image disclosure: The featured image is an AI-generated editorial illustration using fictional officials, spectators and stadium details. It is not a photograph of the Eden Park match or anyone involved.
