Auckland 9's

[TITAN PETE]

Squads named for Auckland Nines

NRL.com
3:15pm Wed 12th February, 2014



Up-to-date confirmed squads to participate in the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines at Eden Park in Auckland from February 15-16.

Roosters
Mitchell Pearce (c), Jake Friend (c), Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Aidan Guerra, Kane Evans, Daniel Tupou, Samisoni Langi, Jackson Hastings, Dylan Napa, Isaac Liu, Nene Macdonald, Jonathon Rueben, Paul Rokolati, Rhyse Martin, Saulala Houma, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Brad Fittler

Bulldogs
Sam Perrett, Mitch Brown, Chase Stanley, Tyrone Phillips, Ed Murphy, Moses Mbye, Drury Low, Tim Browne, Michael Ennis (c), Dale Finucane, Josh Jackson, Tony Williams, Pat O’Hanlon, Lachlan Burr, Corey Thompson, Lloyd Perrett.

Eels
Willie Tonga (c), Kenny Edwards, Bureta Faraimo, John Folau, Manu Ma’u, Fuifui Moimoi, Ryan Morgan, Corey Norman, Pauli Pauli, Joseph Paulo, Nathan Peats, Api Pewhairangi, Semi Radradra, Chris Sandow, Ken Sio, Peni Terepo, Vai Toutai.

Panthers
Matt Moylan, Wes Naiqama, Josh Mansour, Isaac John, Kevin Naiqama, Jamie Soward, Jeremy Latimore, Sam Mckendry, Kevin Kingston, Tyrone Peachey, Lewis Brown, Adam Docker, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Etonia Nabuli, George Jennings, Isaah Yeo.

Titans
William Zillman, Brad Tighe, David Mead, Kevin Gordon, Albert Kelly, Greg Bird, Ashley Harrison, Anthony Don, Paul Carter, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Brad Takairangi, Mark Minichiello, Maurice Blair, Luke Bailey, Siuatonga Likiliki, David Taylor.

Rabbitohs
Nathan Merritt, Beau Champion, Alex Johnston, Joel Reddy, Dylan Walker, Luke Keary, Apisai Koroisau, Dave Tyrrell, Irae Simone, Ben Lowe, Chris McQueen, Ben Te'o (c), John Sutton, Cameron McInnes, Kyle Turner, Lote Tuqiri.

Cowboys
Lachlan Coote, Zac Santo, Antonio Winterstein, Kane Linnett, Javid Bowen, Michael Morgan, Robert Lui, Jason Taumalolo, Ray Thompson, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Tariq Sims, Joel Riethmuller, Rory Kostjasyn, Kyle Feldt, Curtis Rona

Broncos
Ben Barba, Josh Hoffman, Dale Copley, Alex Glenn, Stewart Mills, Kodi Nikorima, Ben Hunt, Martin Kennedy, Andrew McCullough, Sam Thaiday, Matt Gillett, Jordan Drew, Corey Parker (c), David Stagg, Todd Lowrie, Zac Strasser, Joe Ofahengaue, Jake Granville

Sea Eagles
(In alphabetical order) Cheyse Blair, Jamie Buhrer, Michael Chee-Kam, Daly Cherry-Evans, Clinton Gutherson, James Hasson, Peta Hiku, Justin Horo, Jack Littlejohn, Steve Menzies, Ligi Sao, Tony Satini, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Tom Symonds, Jorge Taufua, David Williams.

Wests Tigers
James Tedesco, Pat Richards, Bodene Thompson, Marika Koroibete, Mitchell Moses, Blake Austin, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah (c), Martin Taupau, Cory Paterson, Curtis Sironen, Adam Blair, Manaia Cherrington, Kurtis Rowe, James Gavet, Ben Murdoch-Masila (17th Man: Delouise Hoeter).

Dragons
Josh Dugan, Brett Morris (c), Dylan Farrell, Nathan Green, Jason Nightingale, Adam Quinlan, Sam Williams, Jack de Belin, Mitch Rein, Tyson Frizell, Leeson Ah Mau, Joel Thompson, Trent Merrin, Bronson Harrison, Michael Witt, Craig Garvey

Storm
Will Chambers, Sisa Waqa, Joel Romelo, Mahe Fonua, Matt Duffie, Young Tonumaipea, Mitch Garbutt, Justin O'Neill, Tohu Harris, Matthew Lodge, Kevin Proctor, Ryan Hoffman (c), Slade Griffin, Kurt Mann, Cameron Munster, Richie Kennar

Sharks
Nathan Gardner, Nathan Stapleton, Blake Ayshford, Jonathan Wright, Sosaia Feki, Todd Carney, Daniel Holdsworth, Andrew Fifita, Michael Lichaa, Sam Tagataese, Wade Graham, Matt Prior, Paul Gallen, Ricky Leutele, Tupou Sopoaga, Fa’amanu Brown

Knights
Jarrod Mullen (c), Adam Cuthbertson, Jake Mamo, Dane Gagai, Joseph Leilua, Akuila Uate, Tyrone Roberts, Willie Mason, Adam Clydsdale, Chris Houston, Beau Scott, Robbie Rochow, Jeremy Smith, Michael Dobson, Alex McKinnon, Zane Tetevano.

Raiders
Jarrod Croker (c), Reece Robinson, Mitch Cornish, Bill Tupou, Matt McIlwrick, Joel Edwards, Glen Buttriss, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Jarrad Kennedy, Mark Nicholls, Jake Foster, Lagi Setu, Mitch Cronin, Luke Bateman, Jack Ahearn, Andrew Heffernan.

Warriors
Jayson Bukuya, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Glen Fisiiahi, David Fusitua, Charlie Gubb, Konrad Hurrell, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Shaun Johnson, Solomone Kata, Ngani Laumape, Tuimoala Lolohea, Sione Lousi, Suaia Matagi, Dominique Peyroux, Sam Tomkins, Carlos Tuimavave.

[DIEHARD]

Ok so judging by the Storm team they aren't taking it too seriously.

[Titanic]

Ok so judging by the Storm team they aren't taking it too seriously.

The jury is still out in my house ...the teams are so-so and Menzies/Fittler playing has certainly deflated my interest but I'll watch, if only to see some new faces and some footy at last.

[DIEHARD]

I think the NRL need to focus on the long term viability of the Auckland 9s. We need fans travelling over and we need to link up with NZ fans of all clubs. The talk about a 9s circuit at this level and events in Perth Adelaide Melbourne etc are a joke.

Getting this up will be a feat enough. A sell out to start is a good beginning. Let's just hope for some amazing footy.

I'm really looking forward to it. Loved the World Sevens so much.

[Hail Sezer]

Tigers/dragons/broncos have all named strong teams

[TITAN PETE]

Six stars to shine at Nines
By Tony Webeck, Chief Queensland Correspondent
NRL.com
10:00am Tue 11th February, 2014



It's the excitement that comes from the unknown.

Will the inaugural Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines deliver a highlights reel of breathtaking displays of speed and skill that will transcend rugby league?

Will the professionalism of the modern age allow nine defenders patrolling a rugby league field measuring 116 metres by 68 metres to hold the attackers at bay?

Will coaches completely release the constraints of game plans and 'systems' and allow the natural talents of their star players to shine brightly?

In such an uncertain world, we asked Fox Sports commentator and host of NRL 360, Ben Ikin, to name the six players he believes will have the greatest influence on the first top-flight nines competition in Australia in more than 15 years.
Or simply those most likely to produce the types of plays that will have us talking until Round 1.

"I sat next to someone on the plane the other day and they said this is almost a reason why we should be putting another NRL team in New Zealand," Ikin said of the latest addition to the rugby league calendar. "Sell out two days and give the New Zealanders a local derby.

"I think over time that, like the Hong Kong Sevens, this is going to be something that people travel to."

With players such as this to entertain, it might be wise to start looking at flights for 2015.

Ben Barba (Broncos)

The 2012 Dally M medallist will make his Broncos debut at the Auckland Nines hoping to erase the memories of a 2013 season that was difficult both on and off the field. Despite his issues and injuries, Barba still managed 10 tries and 14 line-breaks from 17 games for the Bulldogs last year and will be devastating if given any broken-field opportunities, according to Ikin.

"We all know what he's capable of and it would do both him and the Broncos the world of good if he could play close to his best footy in New Zealand. Barba is probably the most dangerous broken-field runner in the game but for a few well-documented reasons he had a clunky 2013 season; he'll be looking to hit the ground running this year and the Nines would be a good place to build some confidence."

Shaun Johnson (Warriors)

His breathtaking individual talents were enough to get him into first grade at the Warriors but last year Johnson showed that he is just as adept at setting up tries (18 try assists) as he is at scoring them (10). The most devastating left-foot step since a kid by the name of Brad Fittler broke into first grade with the Panthers in 1989.

"Just put the link in the story to that YouTube clip," urged Ikin. "Is that not one of the best things you have ever seen? It's freaky."

Albert Kelly (Titans)

A schoolboy prodigy who was sacked by both the Sharks and Knights in the space of a few months in 2012, Kelly went very close to being lost from rugby league until thrown a lifeline by the Titans. He repaid them by scoring 11 tries and setting up 10 and was responsible for some of the most exhilarating four-pointers of the season.

"I saw him develop a few game management skills last year in his first full season at halfback with the Titans. I could see that Aidan Sezer had an influence on the way he plays," said Ikin.

"Albert's first instinct – and it's a good one – is to always play what he sees but sometimes you just need to step back and manage your game on behalf of your team. If he goes across to the Nines he'll take what he learnt last year but what that bloke can do in a backyard is probably as good as Shaun Johnson."

Tyrone Roberts (Knights)

The honour of captaining the Knights against the First Nation Goannas last weekend indicates the esteem Roberts is now held in at Newcastle. He played all 27 games for the Knights last season and made a number of opposition defences look foolish with his 'blink-and-you'll-miss-him' show-and-go.

"The back-half of last year he really came into his own," said Ikin. "Jarrod Mullen has been running things at the Knights for years and he is now more comfortable than ever knowing he's got this jack-in-the-box in Tyrone Roberts inside him. They'll be awake to his little show-and-go but if he's good at it it's still hard to defend. Coaches have been telling players not to fall for Johnathan Thurston's show-and-go for 13 years but if you've just made three tackles in a row – and JT is smart enough to pick out that defender – it's another thing trying to shut it down."

Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys)

Perhaps it is the cross that the preternaturally gifted are forced to bear, that expectation that the extraordinary can be summoned on a whim. Ever since becoming the youngest Cowboy to make their NRL debut in 2010, the rugby league world has been waiting for Jason Taumalolo to explode.

If his powerhouse display in last Saturday's trial game against the Broncos is any indication, 20-year-old Taumalolo could be on the verge of something special.

"How good's he going to be, honestly," Ikin asked. "You've seen some of the highlights of Josh Papalii over the last couple of years; I think Taumalolo can be as good as that, if not better. What about the try he scored against the Broncos on the weekend running that outside-in line? They almost got out of the way!"

Daniel Tupou (Roosters)

In a compendium of fairytales surrounding the Roosters premiership triumph in 2013, the rise of Daniel Tupou got somewhat lost amidst the 'SBW', 'RTS' and 'JWH' fervour.
Yet another that the Eels let slip away, Tupou bided his time in the NSW Cup with Newtown in 2012 before unleashing his breathtaking athleticism on the NRL in 2013, scoring 14 tries from 26 games and forming a potent wing combination with rookie sensation Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

"Everybody that starts to talk Roosters flankers immediately jumps to Tuivasa-Sheck; I think Tupou is going to be a superstar. He's close to 200 centimetres and over 100 kilos and just so skilful and athletic. He's going to have as good a highlight reel as any winger by the time he finishes."

[DIEHARD]

Bellamy and the Storm already working hard to undermine the tournament.

That club had better realise they only got their $5mill funding a year because it was good for the game. So they should STFU and do what is good for the game.

[Titanic]

Yes the aura surrounding the Storm is breaking up as his key players age. He needs some quality kids coming through this year or he will have over-stayed his welcome.

[TITAN PETE]

10 Auckland Nines players to watch
By Matt Encarnacion
NRL.com
3:00pm Thu 13th February, 2014



Sam Tomkins

Having enjoyed a rock star welcome since moving over from the Super League, Auckland locals now get their first look at the Warriors import dubbed England's Billy Slater. At first glance, Sam Tomkins has got it all: speed, brains and the kind of X-factor talent that makes confused countryman Sam Burgess old news. And while the 24-year-old arrives with an impressive resume, including a hat-trick on his international debut and two Super League crowns, it only heightens expectations on a player who the Warriors' owners reportedly paid a substantial $1.2 million for in transfer fees alone and are relying on to deliver their ever first premiership.

Shaun Johnson

He's the clean-shaven face of the Warriors franchise, the orchestrator of the New Zealand national team, and he's got arguably the deadliest step in the competition – all of which makes Shaun Johnson the top attraction of the inaugural Auckland Nines. No longer the one-dimensional highlight reel he was when he entered the league as a rookie, the 23-year-old Johnson is now a mature and dependable halfback, complete with all the skills in the handbook. Almost a quarter of a million people have clicked through and watched his touch football magic on Youtube, but we're guessing he'll gain just a few more fans after this weekend.

Ben Barba

He's brilliant to watch at the worst of times but last season the 2012 Dally M medallist spectacularly fell from grace, landing himself in Brisbane after a year to forget at the Bulldogs. This weekend marks Ben Barba's first appearance in a Broncos jumper and whilst all reports out of Red Hill are that the fullback phenomenon is ready to explode again in 2014, we sit in anticipation for his first game of the tournament – a fateful meeting against the Bulldogs, some of whom didn't have their old teammate on their Christmas card list last year.

Pat Richards

The Wests Tigers 2005 premiership hero literally kicked off his low-key return to the club in Camden last Saturday night, with a trademark short kick-off that saw the Tigers regain possession and eventually stretch out to a 14-0 halftime lead. Evidenced by an incredible 45-metre effort near the sideline for Wigan last year – trust us, Youtube it – the 31-year-old is renowned as somewhat of a field goal expert, which is exactly the way all conversions will be taken during the Nines weekend. That alone makes Richards and the Tigers worth watching.

David Taylor

Take this to the bank: David Taylor will be a living, breathing, eating example of how big men can fly in the Nines. There is simply not enough space in that big-boned body of his to fit his complete bag of tricks, and the Auckland Nines is the perfect opportunity for him to empty the kit. Coming off the back of somewhat of a letdown year, the former representative star has been spruiking increased fitness levels all summer and the free-flowing Nines format is the kind of hit and giggle showpiece Taylor can use to prove it.

Brad Fittler/Steve Menzies

Anthony Minichiello probably summed it up best when he said Freddie was "mad" to make a comeback. But that just makes it all the more intriguing for us to tune in on legendary pair Brad Fittler and Steve Menzies when they return to the playing field for the Roosters and Manly respectively. With over 800 games of first grade games, 50 Origin appearances and 53 Test jumpers between them, there aren't many more decorated players to have played the game, and for one weekend at least we'll remember why.

Trent Merrin

He's the modern day front-row prototype, a clone of inspirational NSW captain Paul Gallen. Built strong and low to the ground, with that advantageous low centre of gravity, Trent Merrin is like your dependable old Commodore, boasting the kind of reliable engine that could drive you around the country 10 times over. Also the owner of one of the best offloading arms in the business, the Dragons forward can single-handedly carry the Red V deep into the tournament.

Tyrone Peachey

Having been buried in a backlog of second-rowers in the Shire, the son of Cronulla great David Peachey is on the cusp of a breakout season with new club Penrith, and it could begin this weekend. An undersized ball-playing forward, the 22-year-old has that old-school, Jason Smith-like mastery of tricks and nuances around the ruck. Keep an eye out for a trademark dummy, and a deceptive turn of pace.

John Folau

Some of the most promising young talent in rugby league have descended upon Auckland this weekend, and Parramatta centre John Folau heads the list. The younger brother of dual international Israel, the 19-year-old possesses the same traits that made his older sibling an instant representative star. Tall, athletic, fast and smart, the Eels young gun is still a little underdeveloped, but his natural talent should shine in a competition built for clubs to get a gauge on their most talented prodigies.

Justin O'Neill

If, as assumed, the Auckland Nines will be dominated by the quick men, then the Storm's speed freak flyer Justin O'Neill could be a candidate for player of the tournament. One of the fastest men in the NRL, good judges believe O'Neill's raw speed is of Olympic quality, meaning defenders should just save their breath if the Queensland representative finds open space. A 'Big Three'-less Melbourne might make them less enjoyable to watch, but if you're looking for a thrill-seeker, then O'Neill is your man.

[TITAN PETE]

Who will win the Auckland Nines?
By Dominic Brock
NRL.com
2:00pm Thu 13th February, 2014


The squads have been named, the odds are in, and now the question on everyone's mind is just which teams will thrive in the inaugural Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines? Will the rapid-paced matches with more room to move suit the NRL's quickest backlines, or the hard-running big men who can draw three defenders at a time? Can your club go all the way?

The 16 NRL teams have been split into four groups (yellow, green, blue and red) with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals. The fresh concept and the new-look nature of the squads makes for one unpredictable tournament, but here are our fearless predictions for how the matches will pan out.

YELLOW GROUP
We won't be alone in backing the Warriors to top this group. The tournament favourites boast home-ground advantage and a team seemingly built for Nines footy, including Kiwis playmaker and former touch football star Shaun Johnson, England's star fullback Sam Tomkins, barnstorming centre Konrad Hurrell, speedster Glen Fisiiahi and tackle-busting forward Jayson Bukuya.

The Raiders will field a young side led by Jarrod Croker and featuring promising halfback Mitch Cornish, while Manly's squad includes few big names apart from Kangaroos star Daly Cherry-Evans and returning club legend Steve Menzies. That leaves the North Queensland Cowboys – boasting twin wrecking ball back-rowers Tariq Sims and Jason Taumalolo plus James Tamou and new signing Lachlan Coote – as our tip to take second spot in this group.

Predicted finishing order: Warriors; Cowboys; Sea Eagles; Raiders.

GREEN GROUP
The Brisbane Broncos are coming off a disappointing 2013 NRL campaign but have named a Nines squad with a lot of talent, headed by former Dally M winner Ben Barba, fellow fleet-footed fullback Josh Hoffman and representative forwards Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker and Matt Gillett. We'll tip them to advance along with a young Parramatta outfit featuring USA World Cup star Joseph Paulo, new signings Nathan Peats and Corey Norman, veteran prop Fuifui Moimoi and enigmatic halfback Chris Sandow. A Bulldogs side missing the bulk of its star players and a Roosters outfit headlined by the returning Brad Fittler are our tips to miss out.

Predicted finishing order: Broncos; Eels; Bulldogs; Roosters.

BLUE GROUP
This is arguably the toughest group to predict, with all four clubs selecting strong sides for the Nines. The Titans possess raw power in Dave Taylor, genuine speed in William Zillman, David Mead, Kevin Gordon and Albert Kelly, and a great work ethic in Greg Bird, Ashley Harrison and Mark Minichiello. The Wests Tigers team looks solid as well with new signing Pat Richards joining Marika Koroibete, James Tedesco and tireless forwards Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods. But there is a good chance neither of those teams will survive the group stage, due to the quality of their group rivals.

The Newcastle Knights are the competition's second-favourites behind the Warriors, with a strong all-round squad boasting backline speedsters Akuila Uate, Dane Gagai, Joseph Leilua, Tyrone Roberts and Jarrod Mullen plus tough-tackling forwards Chris Houston, Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith and Robbie Rochow. We're suspecting they and the Sharks will both advance, with Cronulla being one of the competition's dark horses thanks to the presence of genuine superstars Paul Gallen, Andrew Fifita and Todd Carney. If the Nines turns out to be more of a battle of the big men than a test of pure speed, then the impact of all-action Kangaroos forwards Gallen and Fifita could give Cronulla an edge over the competition.

Predicted finishing order: Knights; Sharks; Titans; Wests Tigers.

RED GROUP
The Dragons have named a very strong side for this tournament, with Test wingers Brett Morris and Jason Nightingale, dynamic forwards Trent Merrin, Jack de Bellin and Tyson Frizell, new signings Sam Williams and Dylan Farrell and star fullback Josh Dugan. They're our tip to win the red group, ahead of Penrith, the Rabbitohs and Melbourne.

It's hard to know what to expect from the Panthers this season in the NRL, let alone in the Nines. Recruits Jamie Soward, Kevin Naiqama and Tyrone Peachey will turn out for their new club alongside rising backline stars Matt Moylan and Josh Mansour. That should give them the edge over a Rabbitohs side missing the Burgess brothers, Greg Inglis and Adam Reynolds, and a Melbourne outfit minus Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith.

Predicted finishing order: Dragons; Panthers; Rabbitohs; Storm.

QUARTER-FINALS
1st Blue v 2nd Green: Knights v Eels – Experience and the strike power of Uate, Gagai and Leilua should give the Knights the edge in this one.
1st Green v 2nd Blue: Broncos v Sharks – A tough one to call. You get the feeling Fifita could break a game apart on his own in this format, but for strength across the park we'll lean towards Brisbane.
1st Yellow v 2nd Red: Warriors v Dragons – The Dragons look good, but the Warriors look better.
1st Red v 2nd Yellow: Panthers v Cowboys – We'll give this one to the Panthers in another close battle.

SEMI-FINALS
QF1 Winner v QF2 Winner: Knights v Broncos – Barba could be the breakout star of the tournament if he gets back to the best, but Newcastle look a little stronger all-round.
QF1 Winner v QF2 Winner: Warriors v Panthers – If Johnson, Tomkins and Hurrell are still fit and firing by Sunday afternoon, the Warriors should be too good.

FINAL
SF1 Winner v SF2 Winner: Knights v Warriors – The sell-out crowd should be at fever pitch by the time the Auckland Nines Final swings around at 7.30pm local time on Sunday, and that should be enough to carry the Warriors to victory against whoever they face in the final.

Like our predictions? Think we've got it wrong? Follow all the action live with us on the weekend with blogs and match highlights for every game to see how the real thing will pan out.

[TITAN PETE]

I'll say the winner of the Blue group Titans or Knights will play the Warriors in the final but also believe the Dragons could be the Smokey of the competition , really looking forward to watching every match

[DIEHARD]

I well and truly hope that the Warriors make it to the Final.

[TITAN PETE]

Nines a success already says NRL
By James MacSmith
AAP
10:08am Fri 14th February, 2014



Before a ball has even been kicked in anger, or a five point try scored, the NRL has declared the Auckland Nines a raging success.

A day before the start of the inaugural tournament you can't turn around in Auckland without being reminded about the sold-out Eden Park event.

NRL chief executive Dave Smith says the bold rugby league incursion into rugby union heartland has been embraced wholeheartedly by the New Zealand public.

"It's amazing, it's outside our wildest expectation the way it has been received," Smith said on Friday.

"The city is absolutely on fire. There is a real energy behind the event.

"I don't think there is anyone in New Zealand who isn't aware rugby league has come to Auckland.

"The teams are here to win. It is a serious tournament. Eden Park hasn't been sold out for an event since 1992 so that shows what a success it is."

With the Nines expected to pump around $5 million into the Auckland economy, Duco Events director David Higgins, the brains behind the event, said the NRL should be congratulated on taking a risk and making the concept work.

"It is an incredible success," Higgins said.

"It is a credit to the NRL for having a crack and having the foresight to see that Nines can work.

"The Nines transcends rugby league, it has become an event.

"That is also a credit to the stars that will take the field this weekend.

"I'm sure the onfield product is going to be spectacular."

Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett said he was always confident the New Zealand public would support the concept.

"I have been very supportive of it from the start and I'm pleased we are all here," he said.

"To see all the talent here as one group is an achievement and that makes it very exciting."

"It is a great way to start the season."

[TITAN PETE]

Fantastic news for the code.

[TITAN PETE]

Stars who refused to say no
By Tony Webeck and Chris Kennedy
NRL.com
11:20am Fri 14th February, 2014


Paul Gallen and Corey Parker have revealed that despite having the option of sitting out this weekend they wouldn't take no for an answer - while Rabbitohs and Kiwis star Issac Luke was shattered to miss out.

Plenty of the stars who took part in the recent World Cup won't appear in the Auckland Nines but Gallen revealed at the captain's breakfast on Friday he was appearing despite coach Peter Sharp wanting him to sit it out.

The Sharks skipper told NRL.com that given previous involvement with tournament promoters Duco Events - the Fight for Life promoters who were the primary drivers in establishing the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines - he was keen to be involved with them again, even if it went against coach's orders.

"I was happy to become an ambassador and I figure being an ambassador I'd better turn up!" he laughed.

Earlier he told the breakfast audience he was "flat out making the team to be honest".

"Sharpy doesn't want me to play and we've got a lot of young guys over here who are probably suited to this type of football. I just want to get out there and have a go," he said.

Despite the gruelling World Cup campaign and only returning to full-time training in the new year, Brisbane captain Corey Parker said that there was no doubt in his mind he wanted to be involved in a spectacle he described as an "excitement machine" comparable to cricket's Twenty 20 format.

"Any time you get an opportunity to play footy, personally anyway, I want to be a part of it," Parker said.

"Particularly to be a part of the Nines, there was no doubt in my mind [as] to wanting to play in it. It was more I guess the coaching staff [that would ask players whether they wanted to play] but as you've seen from the team we've brought over we've got a pretty solid squad."

Meanwhile South Sydney's Nines captain Ben Te'o told NRL.com that Souths hooker and New Zealand World Cup star Issac Luke had pleaded with coach Michael Maguire to be able to take part.

"[He was] very disappointed," Te'o said.

"He was going into Madge's office daily - I'm serious - trying to press his case on why he should be allowed to play the Nines. He's right, his body's right, but Madge is right; he needs his rest.

"He's played a lot of football but he's flying over because he wants to be here to watch. He's definitely a player who has been really excited about it."

Te'o said it was unfortunate Souths were missing some players who needed to be rested given the amount of excitement in the country over the event, but that would also give an opportunity to some talented younger players such as Alex Johnston and Irae Simone.

"I was here at Christmas time to see family and I was just getting non-stop questions: Are you playing in the Nines? Who's playing in the Nines? Is 'GI' playing in the Nines?" Te'o said. "So much excitement and that's when I went back to the club and said, 'These guys are pumped for this tournament so let's have a good crack at it.'"