The Complete Guide To The NRL Nines
The NRL Nines, boy oh boy it's a nice way to get the NRL season underway. All the squads have been named and here's the low down on 'em.
Broncos
Andrew McCullough (captain), Ajuma Adams, Elijah Alick, Joe Boyce, Greg Eden, James Gavet, Alex Glenn, Todd Lowrie, Lachlan Maranta, Anthony Milford, Francis Molo, Darren Nicholls, Jayden Nikorima, Kodi Nikorima, Joe Ofahengaue, Tom Opacic, Matt Parcell, Aaron Whitchurch
Legit Nines Star - Most of the excitement around the Broncos will come from Anthony Milford who is likely to pop up everywhere. He's quick footed and explosive but Andrew McCullough will also be a key man as the little hooker is known to get through a mountain of defensive work and defence is always underrated.
Young Gun Low Down - The most exciting youngins' are the Nikorima brothers with both cut from the same cloth as Milford. Jayden's the younger one and has pledged allegiance to Queensland while Kodi played for the Junior Kiwis last year and they should light up the Nines. They've also named impressive young forwards Ajuma Adams, Francis Molo and Joe Ofahengaue who might not catch headlines but they will be beastlike.
NRL Background - Besides seeing Milford in a Broncos jersey for the first time, we'll also get to see James Gavet bringing the ruckus for the Broncs. The Nines are perfectly suited to Gavet's aggressive but athletic style and it could set his Broncos career off to a fast start.
What Ya Reckon? The Broncos will be competitive as they've copious Nines' style talent but it looks as though Wayne Bennett has slightly different priorities. Finals footy at the Nines will be a bonus but don't be surprised to see them become a contender should they get a sniff of confidence.
Raiders
Sam Williams, Mitch Cornish, Jarrod Croker (c), Lachlan Croker, Sisa Waqa, Joel Edwards, Josh McCrone, Rhys Kennedy, Glen Buttriss, Brenko Lee, Bill Tupou, Jack Ahearn, Luke Bateman, Haydon Hodge, Mark Nicholls, Kyle O’Donnell, Tevita Pangai Jnr, Ken Nagas*
Legit Nines Star - Both Mitch Cornish and Jack Ahearn will be the men to watch for the Raiders and they double as young guns that Ricky Stuart will be eager to unleash. They'll do the bulk of the play making and should offer a bit of excitement for the Raiders.
Young Gun Low Down - Tevita Pangai Junior is a beast and besides being super hard to handle at the Nines, he should add some much needed power on the Raiders edge. He's suited to the Nines thanks to his size and skill but the Nines will merely be a platform for Pangai's season.
NRL Background - That's the trend here as many of these young Raiders should finally make the step up to first grade this season and the Nines will serve a purpose for the whole season.
What Ya Reckon? Battlers, the Raiders won't offer much besides some excitement for Raiders who are struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel. There is definitely hope on the horizon for the Raiders and the Nines will be the first step towards that light.
Bulldogs
Tim Browne, Damien Cook, Levi Dodd, Adam Elliott, Herman Ese’ese, Antonio Kaufusi, Shaun Lane, Michael Lichaa, Moses M'bye, Josh Morris, Sam Perrett, Lloyd Perrett, Tyrone Phillips, Frank Pritchard, Curtis Rona, Corey Thompson, Aiden Tolman, Tony Williams
Legit Nines Star - Corey Thompson showed last season how difficult he is to handle and I expect him to impress a the Nines. Moses M'bye has the versatility that should see him impress as well but it's hard to ignore Frank Pritchard and Tony Williams. Yikes.
Young Gun Low Down - Lloyd Perrett has been a highly praised young prop for a few years and the Nines could give him an opportunity to wreak havoc. A little bit more space and many of his forward pack mentors alongside Perrett should see him have an impact while Michael Lichaa will get his first chance in a Bulldogs shirt.
NRL Background - This Bulldogs squad is a bit mix and match as they've got all the bases covered. The thing that stands out for me their size with Pritchard and Williams joined by Aiden Tolman, Tim Browne and Antonio Kaufusi. This will be a great pre-season run for their big boys, while doubling as a chance for them to rip in.
What Ya Reckon? I like em, maybe they lack some legit play making but I expect them to switch the style up a bit. They'll play direct, tough and aggressive - just like normal Bulldogs footy huh?
Sharks
Wade Graham (C), Valentine Holmes, Sosaia Feki, Gerard Beale, Ricky Leutele, Jack Bird, Nu Brown, Kyle Stanley, Saula Houma, Pat Politoni, Tinirau Arona, Matt Prior, Chris Heighington, Blake Ayshford, Nathan Gardner, Todd Murphy, Sami Sauiluma,Junior Roqica
Legit Nines Star - Valentine Holmes burst on to the scene at the Nines last year and has the ability to lead the Sharks to some success this time around. Nathan Gardner is another livewire who should love the Nines set up while Wade Graham is a forward who has all the skills to dominate the Nines.
Young Gun Low Down - Ricky Leutele was impressive last season for the Sharks in the centres while Jack Bird will get his first run in a Sharks jersey. Bird was a hugely sought after youngin' from the St George Dragons and this will be our first to see him in action.
NRL Background - The Sharks depth was exposed last season and their squad for the Nines looks strong enough to show Sharks fans that there's plenty of talent in the Shire. That as well as the Nines being their first hit out of 2015 will mean that there's a fresh vibe to the Sharks and they will be eager to impress.
What Ya Reckon? A very solid forward pack who will do the business at the Nines, exciting outside backs but not a whole lot of play making. If Wade Graham and Nu Brown can stamp their mark then I'd chuck the Sharks in the Dark Horse category.
Titans
Will Zillman, James Roberts, Anthony Don, David Mead, Josh Hoffman, Brad Tighe, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Aidan Sezer, Daniel Mortimer, Christian Hazard, Kierran Moseley, Ryan James, Mark Ioane, Luke Douglas, Lachlan Burr, Davin Crampton, Dave Taylor, Matt Robinson
Legit Nines Star - James Roberts, somehow this dude stands out in a league of freaks. Roberts is strong but super quick, lightning quick and the Nines could see Roberts break the internet and a whole lot of other things. I'm picking Roberts to be the stand out Nines player, how about that?
Young Gun Low Down - Kirrean Moseley has shifted north from the Panthers and he'll be eager to show coach Neil Henry what's up. Moseley is exciting out of dummy half and should pose a constant threat. Keep an eye on young forward Ryan James as well who has struggled to live up to his potential but could breakout.
NRL Background - The new Gold Coast Titans. That's what this is all about and this will be their first chance to show what an off season with Neil Henry has resulted in.
What Ya Reckon? They have a few weapons but other teams could make a point of containing Roberts and David Taylor which will limit the Titans. There's a chance they slide in to Dark Horse territory but I think they'll miss the cut.
Sea Eagles
Daly Cherry-Evans (c), Manaia Rudolph, Jayden Hodges, Brayden Wiliame, Tony Satini, Kieran Foran, Clinton Gutherson, Tom Trbojevic, Peta Hiku, Tom Symonds, Cheyse Blair, James Hasson, Feleti Mateo, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Josh Starling, Michael Chee Kam, Blake Leary, Dunamis Lui
Legit Nines Star - Take ya pick from anyone of their excitement machines. Clint Gutherson and Peta Hiku will be guys to watch as they are fullbacks by trade but capable of a whole lot more. I also think that Daly Cherry-Evans is going to be the best player at the Nines as his play making ability is matched by his athletic ability which isn't the case for most halves.
Young Gun Low Down - Michael Chee Kam is probably the young gun with the most to prove as he tries to work his way in to the Manly pack. He's an edge back rower and should shine in the Nines with the extra time and space to wreak havoc. Jayden Hodges should have a field day out of dummy half as well and watch out for Tom Trbjoevic.
NRL Background - The Manly Nines squad is pretty close to their first grade crew, especially in their forwards. It's a great chance for Chee Kam, Josh Starling, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Dunamis Lui, James Hasson and Feleti Mateo to lay the foundation not only for their halves but for their season.
What Ya Reckon? It's hard not to put this Manly side as favourites. They've got the best halves pairing in DCE and Kieran Foran as well as a pack that should dominate.
Storm
Young Tonumaipea, Kenny Bromwich, Will Chambers (Captain), Kurt Mann, Richie Kennar, Dayne Weston, Cameron Munster, Hymel Hunt, Tim Glasby, Marika Koroibete, Travis Robinson, Christian Welch, Ben Hampton, Billy Brittain Francis Tualau, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Suliasi Vunivalu, Shaun Nona
Legit Nines Star - Marika Koroibete is the first name that screams out at you as he can run, very fast and he's pretty big as well. Besides the Fijian, Ben Hampton is a little excitement machine and he'll be tasked with some halves duties as well which could see him impact many games. Cameron Munster shouldn't be overlooked either.
Young Gun Low Down - The Storm have named former kiwis schoolboy rugby stars Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Suliasi Vunivalu for the Nines and besides the interest factor, they should impress. They're both big and athletic which is perfect and they'll fit in to the scheme of the Storms like a breeze.
NRL Background - This is a glimpse in to the future for the Storm, which in itself should be enough for any NRL nerd to tune in. It's a young squad, but there's a low key amount of NRL experience that should help them.
What Ya Reckon? A surprise package, who knows what the Storm will serve up. They could struggle thanks to having a young group, but it's a very talented young group and if things go their way, I'd watch out.
Knights
Sione Mata’utia, Jake Mamo, Dane Gagai, Chanel Mata’utia, Carlos Tuimavave, Jarrod Mullen (c), Tyrone Roberts, Pat Mata’utia, Adam Clydsdale, Paterika Vaivai, Tyler Randell, Chris Houston, Robbie Rochow, Nathan Ross, Korbin Sims, Joseph Tapine, Jack Stockwell, Danny Levi
Legit Nines Star - I understand why people are excited for Mata'utia x3, but Jake Mamo is by far the most exciting player the Knights have. If Mamo gets a bit of space, he'll by flying away and I expect him to take the Nines by storm. Korbin Sims is a beast and much like his brother Tariq, he's pretty athletic which means he should dominate the middle of the field.
Young Gun Low Down - There's two Junior Kiwis in Joseph Tapine and Danny Levi to keep an eye on as well as Carlos Tuimavave who has finally broken free of the Warriors' shackles. It will actually be very interesting to watch Tuimavave through the Nines and see where he ends up playing because no one seems to really know.
NRL Background - Of all the teams at the Nines, I think the Knights will be the team who are the most likely to just try set things up for the NRL season. They'll be competitive but I think they're pretty keen to move on from the dramas of past years and get 2015 off to a feel good start.
What Ya Reckon? A feel good start? There's enough there for the Knights' feel good start to be a Nines finals appearance, especially with Jarrod Mullen and Tyrone Roberts named.
Cowboys
Michael Morgan, Justin O'Neill, Tautau Moga, Kyle Feldt, Matthew Wright, Ray Thompson, Robert Lui, John Asiata, Rory Kostjasyn, Kelepi Tanginoa, Gavin Cooper(c), Ethan Lowe, Jason Taumalolo, Jake Granville, Zac Santo, Coen Hess, Javid Bowen, Ben Spina
Legit Nines Star - The Cowboys' backline are all legit Nines performers. Justin O'Neill is apparently a Ferrari, Michael Morgan was an awesome fullback for the Cows last season, Tautau Moga is a beast while Kyle Feldt and Mathew Wright are up there with the best finishers in the game.
Young Gun Low Down - John Asiata is a prop who moved from the Roosters to the Cowboys and played for the Junior Kiwis. He's got big wraps on him while Kelepi Tanginoa is a powerful lad as well. If those two don't tickle your fancy, I'd be keeping a close eye on Ethan Lowe and Coen Hess who are massive young men.
NRL Background - Many fresh faces here and I think the Nines will be example A as to why things are looking good for the Cowboys. They've recruited strongly and the Nines will showcase their talent.
What Ya Reckon? Contenders, up there with Manly. Not because of last season, but I mean, look at their backline! Their forward pack will be big, skillful and angry as well.
Eels
Will Hopoate, Semi Radradra, John Folau, Brad Takairangi, Reece Robinson, Corey Norman, Chris Sandow (c), Junior Paulo, Kaysa Pritchard, Peni Terepo, Manu Ma’u, Tepai Moeroa, Joseph Paulo, David Gower, Kenny Edwards, Halauafu Lavaka, Pauli Pauli, Luke Kelly
Legit Nines Star - Chris Sandow has been given the job of skipper and I think he'll play as such. He'll lead the Eels around the park and has the ability to conjure up some freakish spur of the moment plays that will make the Eels a tricky team to defend against.
Young Gun Low Down - First and foremost, John Folau. The younger bruv of Israel is a centre of the same mould and he'll impress all those who are watching. The rest all got a taste of NRL last season, but they're young players who are dangerous for your health - Peni Terepo, Tepai Moeroa and Pauli Pauli. Take cover.
NRL Background - The Eels have dished up a strong squad that resembles their NRL first grade top tier. Most people will be tuned in to how Will Hopoate goes in the boots of Jarryd Hayne, but if you take your eye off their forwards, you could miss the very thing that makes the Eels one of the best teams to watch.
What Ya Reckon? I don't know if they'll be able to restrict other teams, but the Eels have enough power and size to trouble any of their opponents.
Panthers
Brendan Attwood, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Christian Crichton, Adrian Davis, Joshua Kay, George Jennings, Isaac John, Kevin Kingston, Apisai Koroisau, Sika Manu, Kieran Moss, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Andy Saunders, Chris Smith, Nathan Smith, Will Smith, Tupou Sopoaga, Isaah Yeo
Legit Nines Star - George Jennings, the younger brother of Michael has got the same genes and will serve up the same type of performances out wide for the Panthers. Apisai Koroisau will also provide a whole lot of excitement up the middle as he'll look to run at tired defenders all day.
Young Gun Low Down - Tupou Sopoaga moved from the Sharks to the Panthers and he's a big, mobile back rower who will go well with the Panthers. Isaah Yeo got some game time last season and he's a tall, lanky but certified star of the future while Reagan Campbell-Gillard is another back rower who should look good.
NRL Background - This Panthers squad should make a few around the league a bit worried as they will show that there's a lot of talent coming through the Panthers. The Nines could see the Panthers build a talent pool and a confidence that could take them up a notch.
What Ya Reckon? They have a solid squad, but for mine the Panthers don't have many lads who can break a game open. They'll go alright but probably won't be scaring anyone.
Rabbitohs
Joel Reddy, Bryson Goodwin, Dylan Walker. Matt King, Chris McQueen, Issac Luke, Adam Reynolds, George Burgess, Angus Crichton, Ben Lowe, Jason Clark, Tom Hughes, Dave Tyrrell, Aaron Gray, Kyle Turner, Cameron McInnes, Chris Grevsmuhl, Setefano Taukafa
Legit Nines Star - Isaac Luke isn't just quick and nimble, he's bloody strong and he turns in to a forward when he's hitting it up the guts. That'll see him be one of the most impressive players at the Nines. Obviously the Rabbitohs also have guys like Dylan Walker but George Burgess will be nearly impossible to contain.
Young Gun Low Down - Cameron McInnes got plenty of game time last season and he should offer Adam Reynolds plenty of support in the halves. Also expect Kyle Turner who emerged from no where last season to be a solid performer for the Bunnies.
NRL Background - For me the Rabbitohs are putting a buck each way as they've named a squad that's strong enough to compete with the best at the Nines but they haven't gone all out. There's a definite eye to the NRL season, which could see them fall short.
What Ya Reckon? There's just not enough x factor across the board, but in George Burgess and Dylan Walker they have enough. Hard to see them really winning much.
Dragons
Euan Aitken, Mike Cooper, Shannon Crook, Josh Dugan, Tyson Frizell, Craig Garvey, Nathan Green, Yaw Kiti Glymin, Beau Henry, Dan Hunt, Benji Marshall (c),Peter Mata’utia, Will Matthews, Eto Nabuli, Jason Nightingale, Adam Quinlan, Joel Thompson, Shannon Wakeman
Legit Nines Star - Benji Marshall, poor Benji was probably watching the Nines while battling away with the Auckland Blues last year. This time he gets to skipper the Dragons and all the noise out of St George points to Benji being a lethal weapon. Hard to look past Josh Dugan as well.
Young Gun Low Down - Euan Aitken has many a positive words being said about him while Eto Nabuli is a Fijian who could make his mark at the Nines.
NRL Background - Plain. The Dragons have a bit of a plain squad which will reflect their NRL season as they definitely won't be as bad as people think they will be. Their forward pack for the Nines doesn't quite have enough razzle dazzle nor power, feel me?
What Ya Reckon? Battling battlers, but maybe Marshall and Dugan could cook up some magic.
Roosters
Mitchell Aubusson, Brendan Elliot, Kane Evans, Jackson Hastings, Samisoni Langi, Nene Macdonald, James Maloney, Willie Manu, Sam Moa, Taane Milne, Dylan Napa, Mitchell Pearce, Lagi Setu, Nathan Stapleton, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Mitchell Williams
Legit Nines Star - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, he'll be the king of the Nines. Enough said.
Young Gun Low Down - Jackson Hastings is a versatile young play maker who is the future of the Roosters, he'll play a support role to Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney but he'll pop anywhere and everywhere. Taane Milne was a Junior Kiwi last year so keep a look out for him while Siosiua Taukeiaho hasn't really made a mark for the Roosters since leaving the Warriors.
NRL Background - Whereas the Rabbitohs look a bit weak in naming their second tier, the Roosters much like the Panthers look scary. There's enough depth to keep them in contention throughout the NRL season, but they will get a decent run at the Nines as well as a chance to impress Trent Robinson.
What Ya Reckon? It's hard to look past these teams who have named their first string halves pairing, which the Roosters have done. Throw in RTS and plenty of big bodies and the Chooks are favourites.
Warriors
Shaun Johnson (c), Matthew Allwood, Nathan Friend, Ben Henry, Ryan Hoffman, Solomone Kata, Ngani Laumape, Sam Lisone, Tuimoala Lolohea, Sione Lousi, Suaia Matagi, Ben Matulino, Ken Maumalo, Nathaniel Roache, Bodene Thompson, Sam Tomkins, Chad Townsend, Manu Vatuvei,
Legit Nines Star - I wish this was more exciting, but it's impossible to not say Shaun Johnson and Sam Tomkins. Tomkins, I reckon Tomkins will be a key man this year.
Young Gun Low Down - Three youngins who will impress (I just know it) are Solomone Kata, Tui Lolohea and Sam Lisone. Lisone will be a big body with some skills while Kata is a dynamo and Lolohea's the wildcard. Nathaniel Roache goes alright as well.
NRL Background - The forward pack for the Nines looks pretty similar to an NRL pack that the Warriors will serve up which is exciting. The only way the Warriors will win anything, whether it be the NRL Nines of the Premiership, is with a dynamic, aggressive forward pack which we should see... well maybe.
What Ya Reckon? Definitely up there with the favourites, but the other favourites are known defensive masterminds. Can the Warriors show those signs?
Tigers
Sitaleki Akauola, Nathan Brown, Jack Buchanan, Manaia Cherrington, Josh Drinkwater, Asipeli Fine, Salesi Funaki, Delouise Hoeter, Chris Lawrence, Lamar Liolevave, Kyle Lovett, Joel Luani, Kevin Naiqama, Pat Richards, Brenden Santi, Ava Seumanufagai, Tim Simona
Sauaso Sue
Legit Nines Star - Kevin Naiqama and Tim Simona are both perfectly suited to Nines footy and they'll ensure that the Tigers are always competitive.
Young Gun Low Down - For me, the Tigers and the Eels are pretty similar in that their forward packs are young and all power. Sauaso Sue and Ava Seumanufagai both impressed last season while there's plenty of noise about Lamar Liolevave as well. Junior Kiwi Manaia Cherrington will demand your attention as well.
NRL Background - To be honest, the Tigers Nines squad is the hardest to put in to any NRL context. They have plenty of cross over but a lot of their top shelf lads won't be in Auckland, maybe it's just a sign of the depth the Tigers have.
What Ya Reckon? Talent, power, athleticism but it's hard to see the Tigers going deep in the tournament without the touches of class. No polish, not enough.