Police are treating a fire that destroyed an Auckland rugby league club's clubrooms "as arson".
The huge fire tore through the Marist Saints clubrooms at Murray Halberg Park in Mt Albert around 3.30am yesterday.
It caused the building's roof to collapse, leaving it completely destroyed. Members said they were devastated to see the damage.
Auckland Rugby League said it was "gutted" to hear about the blaze at Murray Halberg Park. (Source: 1News)
Police have now confirmed they are treating the blaze as being deliberately lit.
“Police can confirm we are now investigating the fire at a Mount Albert address on Thursday morning as an arson.
“Our inquiries are continuing to locate those responsible.”
The fire was reported at around 3.30am this morning. (Source: Supplied)
Police are asking anyone with information that might help their investigation to call 105.
Yesterday, Auckland Rugby League said they were "gutted" to hear about the blaze.
"Marist Saints have a long history, so this is devastating for our entire rugby league community," chief executive Rebecca Russell said.
"Our aroha goes out to the Marist Saints community as we support the club through this tough time."
The club, founded in 1919, is a major part of the Mt Albert community and has seen a number of NRL players pass through. Sonny Bill Williams, Jerome Ropati and former Kiwis captain Roy Asotasi all played at Marist Saints.
“You don't want to see it,” longtime member Hans Wulf told 1News yesterday.
“It’s sad, it's really sad. The memories and the history of the club are gone."
“I’ve got some photos of my family, my son, now it’s gone, all the kids who had photos, they’re gone. It's very tough.”
Most of the memorabilia from inside the building was destroyed in the fire, including photos, trophies and even steel drums - a crucifix somehow managed to survive, however.
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