Hunua

MVP Candidates

Darius Boyd (Brisbane): Enough speed to enjoy the Nines, however his passing game and ability to set other blokes up will see him be a crucial player for the Broncos.

Tom Trbojevic (Manly): Freak, absolute freak and Manly will be looking to get the younger Trbojevic as much ball as possible.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors): Good luck trying to tackle him.

Shaun Johnson (Warriors): See above.

Forwards To Scope

Caleb Timu (Broncos): Big second-rower dubbed the next Gordon Tallis, more like Sonny Bill Williams as he was a gun rugby player as well.

Jake Trbojevic (Manly): After a very impressive 2015 season, the older Trbojevic has been named skipper of Manly's Nines team and he'll be tasked with holding down the middle of the field.

Sam Lisone (Warriors): Footwork, Lisone has lots of it and he'll use it to sneak through the line and set up the quick blokes.

Ranking

Warriors: Look at their squad, travesty if they don't make the quarter-finals.
Broncos: Mobile forward pack, lacking some x-factor, watch out for Carlin Anderson though.
Bulldogs: Low key good squad, just too many huge blokes for Nines.
Manly: Got them as a smokey, could sneak above Broncos and Bulldogs.

Waiheke

MVP Candidates

Semi Radradra (Eels): Damaging out wide with some space or damaging running over blokes in the middle.

Latrell Mitchell (Roosters): I expect the young fullback to enjoy a breakout Nines, he's lightning quick and has that ability to always be in the right place at the right time.

Alex Johnston (Rabbitohs): There's not much razzle-dazzle in the Rabbits squad and they'll rely heavily on Johnston to spice things up.

Joe Burgess (Roosters): Our first look at the England winger and I reckon he'll quickly make an impression.

Forwards To Scope

Tohu Harris (Storm): Second-row, centre, wing, half, Tohu Harris does it all and is nicely suited to Nines.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm): Offload king, my nomination anyway.

Tepai Moeroa (Eels): A mongrel of a unit on the edge for Parramatta, Moeroa moves gracefully and will be near impossible to stop.

Ranking

Storm/Eels/Roosters: Hard to separate these teams as they all have very mobile forward packs with electrifying backs, without a dominant play-maker to get the nod.
Rabbitohs: It's gonna be a tough tournament for the Rabbits.

Rangitoto

MVP Candidates

Jake Mamo (Knights): Blink and you'll miss Mamo who is tough as nails and loves to stay involved.

Michael Morgan (Cowboys): No Jonathan Thurston so they play-making duties will fall to Morgan who is also a gun running the footy.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Panthers): DWZ will operate in a fullback type of role and after missing much of last season he'll be frothing at the mouth for some footy.

James Segeyaro (Panthers): I feel sorry for big/tired forwards in the middle of the field who will try lay a hand on Segeyaro, and will fail.

Forwards To Scope

Saifiti Twins (Knights): Daniel and Jacob Saifiti are 19 years old, they are both over 190cm tall and have already represented Fiji.

Bryce Cartwright (Panthers): With the skills of a half and the size of a prop, Cartwright should provide the Panthers with yet another weapon.

Michael Chee Kam (Tigers): After impressing with Manly late last season, Chee Kam joined the Tigers and his athleticism should see him go well at the Nines.

Ranking

Cowboys: Super strong squad, pretty much their NRL Grand Final squad.
Panthers: Mobile, skillful, young, the Panthers have the right mix.
Knights: Could very easily upset the Cowboys or Panthers, lacking someone to control things.
Tigers: Very solid forward pack, not much else.

Piha

MVP Candidates

Jack Bird (Sharks): The Sharks will rely on Bird to lead their attack, look for Bird to get plenty of ball from Chad Townsend. He's quick and evasive enough to enjoy the space, while also capable of that crazy play.

Josh Dugan (Dragons): Minus Tuivasa-Sheck and Johnson, Dugan could be the best player a the Nines as he combines his smooth running with freakish power. Not many players will be able to stop Dugan one-on-one.

Jordan Rapana (Raiders): Low key choice here as the Raiders don't have too many other options allowing for Rapana to enjoy plenty of footy. Rapana's a try-scorer who will make the most of any opportunity and if the Raiders get their tails up, watch out for Rapana.

Forwards To Scope

Paul Vaughan (Raiders): Shannon Boyd will be difficult to slow down, but it's Vaughan who gets around the park better and has the footwork to enjoy the Nines.

Joseph Paulo (Sharks): New home for Paulo and he'll be required to do some ball-playing, which he's very good at.

Nathaniel Peteru (Titans): One time for the kiwis, Peteru is a big unit who moves nicely and with the Titans lacking size, Peteru could be in for lots of minutes.

Jack de Belin (Dragons): Every team will need an angry bloke in the middle of the park and de Belin might just be the best of those with the Dragons.

Ranking

Dragons: A powerful forward pack will give the Dragons the time and space to set their impressive backline enough chances.
Sharks: A few x-factor blokes, a few skilled forwards and a few tough-nuts is a good recipe for Nines success, the Sharks won't do as good as last year though.
Titans: Very battler-ish, with blokes who have been around for a few seasons. Keep an eye on Ashley Taylor.
Raiders: They lack a player who oozes class and experience, Kato Ottio is one to watch.