I don't wanna heap expectations on the Warriors in the upcoming NRL Nines, but damn this squad they've named is amazing. There may not be as many household names as the average punter may be hoping for but I can guarantee you that this Warriors squad includes some of the finest young talent in the game at the moment. Here's my player breakdown...

Jayson Bukuya - Very powerful back rower who will bust tackles and offer tough NRL level defence.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner - If you didn't see this guy play for the Under 20's, you really missed out. Fast and powerful, this back rower will be very difficult to handle and could emerge as a young star.

Glen Fisiiahi - Speed is a weapon in any sport and Fisiiahi has speed a plenty as well as being very elusive. He also has great anticipation and will fit in either out wide of at the back.

David Fusitua - Another Under 20s graduate who was a star at fullback. Fusitua is like Fisiiahi except he has a greater ability to break tackles especially running in to a set defensive line.

Charlie Gubb - The first of the mobile props that will lay the platform for the Warriors. Gubb is a hard working machine who will help tighten up the middle and get the lads going forward.

Konrad Hurrell - Do I have to say anything? I can't wait to see this joker in action.

Sebastine Ikahihifo - Got a bit of a chance last season and will not do himself any shame at the Nines. Mobile, hard working and capable of a bit of razzle dazzle, Ikahihifo will be a part of an exciting pack.

Shaun Johnson - Nuff said.

Run it straight - Solomone Kata. Nah jokes

Solomone Kata - This young centre is very similar to Hurrell. He is a quick, powerful centre who is capable of anything. Expect to see some bodies on the ground in this lad's wake.

Ngani Laumape - With NRL experience under his belt, Laumape will be hard to handle out wide and will form a dangerous centre bracket with Hurrell and Kata.

Tuimoala Lolohea - Hopefully this guy gets plenty of game time as he has the ability to break games wide open and will benefit greatly from the open space. He'll be in the halves so he could benefit from the greater attention on Johnson.

Sione Lousi - On the comeback from injury, Lousi will be a big body that is able to keep up with the play and dent the defensive line. Lousi has all the skills and toughness to be the leader of the pack.

Suaia Matagi - With immense power and quick feet, Matagi could be a real danger as he gives the Warriors great go forward.

Dominique Peyroux - Peyroux is the type of hybrid player who will be vital in Nines. Covering a range of positions and offering great athleticism, expect Peyroux to pop up anywhere.

Sam Tomkins - Tomkins loves open pastures and broken play hence why I can't wait to see him in action.

Carlos Tuimavave - Capable of being a play maker or setting up out wide, Tuimavave will play multiple roles and offer a second option in the halves.

So what else has happened in the rugby league world of late? Well first and foremost, there were a few rule changes for this season. They're all common sense related which is exciting to see with the cannonball and crusher type of tackles to be looked at for harsher penalties. Fantastic, it's pretty clear to see when a bloke dives at the knees so it's good to see this stuff get a more serious look. Other little rule changes include tap restarts for a 40/20 kick and a 20m restart being a 'zero tackle' situation. Meaning you ultimately get 7 tackles - like what happens when you are tackled after turnover, kinda.

Then there's this issue of the use of sleeping pills and energy drinks from some Kiwis players at the World Cup. When I heard this I thought they were mixing the two, but it appears that they were using them to counter act one another. Pretty dumb really especially as there are pretty limited positive outcomes. What makes this worse is that it appears to only have been a small group of the squad. I keep hearing that three players were involved which means there will be some pretty disgruntled team mates and especially coaching staff. How frustrating for Stephen Kearney (prepare for me being overly dramatic), these blokes may have not only cost the Kiwis the World Cup but also cost Kearney his job. Not sure if we'll get names of the rather silly lads, but you'd imagine they would have copped enough punishment from their team mates.