2015 NRL Auckland Nines

[DIEHARD]

15nines.jpg

Reigning Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines champions the North Queensland Cowboys will take on some of the game's top teams in next year's competition.

They will play the Storm, Panthers and Rabbitohs in their pool games in the tournament which will be played at Eden Park on January 31 and February 1 next year.

PDF: Full 2015 Auckland Nines draw

The team pools were drawn today by NRL, Jillaroo and Kiwi Fern players including Trent Merrin, Nathan Peats, Maddie Studdon and Sarina Fiso along with Dick Smith Electronics CEO, Mr Nick Abboud.

The NRL announced that the current women's Rugby League World Champions the Jillaroos will play three nine-per-side matches against New Zealand's Kiwi Ferns at the 2015 event.

The matches will be televised live on Sky Television during the Nines broadcast.

"The spirit of the Auckland Nines is to create an event that we can develop and grow and the decision to include the women's teams was the next natural step," NRL Football Operations Manager Nathan McGuirk said.

"Their inclusion creates more games and provides longer breaks for all teams participating as well as showcasing some of the best female players in the world."

Lovers of Auckland from around the world were given the unique opportunity to play a part in the 2015 tournament by choosing names for each of the four pools, with the most popular choices being made the pool names.

The public's choices showcase the diversity of the Auckland region's most iconic visitor destinations.

The public's choices were:
- Rangitoto - the Island's famed volcanic cone
- Waiheke – the home of the nation's wineries
- Piha – which represents a rugged West Coast beach
- Hunua Ranges – one of the nation's most famous bush areas

Draw
Rangitoto Pool: Eels, Sea-Eagles, Knights, Dragons
Waiheke Pool: Storm, Cowboys, Panthers, Rabbitohs
Piha Pool: Roosters, Broncos, Bulldogs, Sharks
Hunau Ranges Pool: Tigers, Warriors, Raiders, Titans

Dick Smith Electronics CEO Mr Nick Abboud said the company had no hesitation in sponsoring the tournament for the second year running.

"After such a successful inaugural year and a sell-out stadium of 90,000, we are anticipating the 2015 tournament to exceed expectations once again," Mr Abboud said.

"We know Auckland will put on a spectacular show and provide great atmosphere, not just in the stadium, but across the entire city."

All 16 NRL teams will enter the tournament which carries prize money of more than $AU2.4 million.

The teams are split into the four pools and play nine minute halves.

The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage of the tournament before the two top teams play in the final.

Event travel packages are currently on sale in Australia through Sportsnet Holidays, www.sportsnetholidays.com (AUS) with three-day packages including tickets, return flights, transfers and accommodation starting from just $1335 per person.

Domestic travel packages are also available in New Zealand through www.bcdsport.co.nz. Tickets are only currently available as part of a travel package purchase.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public from October 9.

http://www.nrl.com/

[DIEHARD]

2015 Auckland Nines squad lists

All 16 squads for the 2015 Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines, as they are announced.

BRONCOS: Coming soon

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 PangaiJnr, Ken Nagas* (*Subject to NRL Approval).

BULLDOGS: Coming soon

SHARKS: Coming soon

TITANS: Coming soon

SEA EAGLES: Coming soon

STORM: Coming soon

KNIGHTS: Coming soon

COWBOYS: Coming soon

EELS: Coming soon

PANTHERS: Coming soon

RABBITOHS: Coming soon

DRAGONS: Coming soon

ROOSTERS: Coming soon

WARRIORS: Shaun Johnson (c), Matthew Allwood, Nathan Friend, Ben Henry, Ryan Hoffman, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Solomone Kata, Ngani Laumape, Sam Lisone, Tuimoala Lolohea, Sione Lousi, Simon Mannering, Suaia Matagi, Ben Matulino, Ken Maumalo, Dominique Peyroux, Nathaniel Roache, Bodene Thompson, Sam Tomkins, Chad Townsend, Manu Vatuvei, Jonathan Wright (four to be trimmed from final squad).

WESTS TIGERS: Coming soon

http://www.nrl.com/

[Hail Sezer]

Really, really strong Warriors squad

[TITAN PETE]

Mullen to captain Knights at Nines
By Knights Media
NRL.com
8:55am Tue 20th January, 2015




The Newcastle Knights announced an 18-man Auckland Nines squad on Tuesday, with Jarrod Mullen named as captain.

A total of 10 of this year’s squad, including Nathan Ross, Paterika Vaivai, and Tyler Randell, will get their first taste of the Nines format when the tournament kicks off on January 31.

All three Mata’utia brothers have been included in the 2015 squad while it will be the first game in red and blue for new recruits Jack Stockwell and Carlos Tuimavave.

Under 20s captain Danny Levi has also been selected after training with the NRL squad over the summer.

The Knights has been grouped in the Rangitoto pool, and will play Parramatta, Manly and St George at the Eden Park.

SQUAD:

1. Sione Mata'utia
2. Jake Mamo
3. Dane Gagai
4. Chanel Mata'utia
5. Carlos Tuimavave
6. Jarrod Mullen (c)
7. Tyrone Roberts
8. Pat Mata'utia
9. Adam Clydsdale
10. Paterika Vaivai
11. Tyler Randell
12. Chris Houston
13. Robbie Rochow
14. Nathan Ross
15. Korbin Sims
16. Joseph Tapine
17. Jack Stockwell
18. Danny Levi

- - - Updated - - -

Really, really strong Warriors squad

I spoke to one of the players on Saturday & he believes only bad luck or stupidity will beat them..i said the team has been known to have strong links with the latter

[TITAN PETE]

The Bulldogs Nines squad:

Tim Browne
Damien Cook
Levi Dodd
Adam Elliott
Herman Ese’ese
Antonio Kaufusi
Shaun Lane
Michael Lichaa
Moses Mbye
Josh Morris
Sam Perrett
Lloyd Perrett
Tyrone Phillips
Frank Pritchard
Curtis Rona
Corey Thompson
Aiden Tolman
Tony Williams

[TITAN PETE]

2015 Auckland Nines squad lists

NRL.com
9:30am Sat 24th January, 2015




All 16 squads for the 2015 Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines, as they are announced.

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.

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 PangaiJnr, Ken Nagas.

BULLDOGS: Tim Browne, Damien Cook, Levi Dodd, Adam Elliott, Herman Ese'ese, Antonio Kaufusi, Shaun Lane, Michael Lichaa, Moses Mbye, Josh Morris, Sam Perrett, Lloyd Perrett, Tyrone Phillips, Frank Pritchard, Curtis Rona, Corey Thompson, Aiden Tolman, Tony Williams.

SHARKS: Luke Lewis (c), Valentine Holmes, Sosaia Feki, Gerard Beale, Ricky Leutele, Jack Bird, Nu Brown, Kyle Stanley, Sam Tagataese, Pat Politoni, Tinirau Arona, Matt Prior, Chris Heighington, Blake Ayshford, Nathan Gardner, Todd Murphy, Sami Sauiluma, Junior Roqica.

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.

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.

STORM: Young Tonumaipea, Kenny Bromwich, Will Chambers (c), 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.

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.

COWBOYS: Coming soon

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.

PANTHERS: Brendan Attwood, Christian Crichton, Joshua Jay, Isaac John, Apisai Koroisau, Kieran Moss, Andy Aunders, Nathan Smith, Tupou Sopoaga, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Adrian Davis, George Jennings, Kevin Kingston, Sika Manu, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Chris Smith, Will Smith, Isaah Yeo.

RABBITOHS: Joel Reddy, Bryson Goodwin, Dylan Walker, Matt King, Chris McQueen, Issac Luke (c), Adam Reynolds, George Burgess, Angus Crichton, Ben Lowe, Jason Clark, Tom Hughes, Dave Tyrrell, Aaron Gray, Kyle Turner, Cameron McInnes, Chris Grevsmuhl, Setefano Taukafa.

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, Heath L'Estrange, Joel Thompson, Shannon Wakeman.

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 (c), Lagi Setu, Nathan Stapleton, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (c), Mitchell Williams.

WARRIORS: Shaun Johnson (c), Matthew Allwood, Nathan Friend, Ben Henry, Ryan Hoffman, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Solomone Kata, Ngani Laumape, Sam Lisone, Tuimoala Lolohea, Sione Lousi, Simon Mannering, Suaia Matagi, Ben Matulino, Ken Maumalo, Dominique Peyroux, Nathaniel Roache, Bodene Thompson, Sam Tomkins, Chad Townsend, Manu Vatuvei, Jonathan Wright (four to be trimmed from final squad).

WESTS 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 Seumanu***ai, Tim Simona, Sauaso Sue.

- - - Updated - - -

How to win the Auckland Nines
By Tony Webeck, Chief Queensland Correspondent
NRL.com
8:00am Mon 26th January, 2015



Twelve months after guiding the Cowboys to their first top-grade title, North Queensland coach Paul Green says he will adopt the same philosophy towards this weekend's Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines.

With his squad expected to be announced on Tuesday, Green is tipped to once again leave Johnathan Thurston back in Townsville wrapped tightly in cotton wool while Test props James Tamou and Matt Scott are racing the clock to be fit for Round 1 and will also not take part.

Antonio Winterstein and Rob Lui have both dropped hints that they will be in New Zealand this weekend and young flyers such as Kyle Feldt and Javid Bowen are all but certainties to play again, Feldt having been named the breakout player of the tournament last year.

But ask the coach how to win a Nines tournament and the defending champ says he is still at a loss to explain what it takes.

"I wouldn't have a clue! Bit of luck?" was Green's response.

"We didn't take it very seriously last year, and when I say that I mean that we didn't prepare for it. I think we had one training session before we left and we'll do the same this year."

But underlying the vivid memories of expansive ball movement, long-range tries, spectacular try-scoring feats and Freddy's 70 (80? 90?) metre intercept try was the value of modern rugby league principles and how they hold up in the nine-a-side format.

Having been a member of the Broncos team that lost to the Cowboys 16-7 in the final last year, Andrew McCullough will this year captain a Brisbane team minus their Four Nations representatives but boasting the wizardry of Anthony Milford for the first time.

Master coach Wayne Bennett has not yet let any of the Brisbane boys practise their flick passes, corner post-evading contortionism or double under run-arounds with two switches of play, merely insisting his side make their tackles and complete their sets.

"The game shouldn't change too much. Your structures that you put in place still work there like they do in normal football," McCullough said. "You push up as you would for a 13-man game when someone's running the ball and all those little things count.

"We didn't take it too seriously last year but in saying that we tackled well and played for each other.

"You still have to tackle properly and you still have to get through your sets well. In the Nines, if you complete your sets well most of the time you can score a try or two so you still have to be able to hang onto the ball and complete well."

Ah defence, the dreaded 'D' word of rugby league exhibitionism.

With all due respect, the 90,000 fans who crammed into Eden Park last year didn't shell out their Kiwi dollars to see effort upon effort in defence from the likes of Chris Houston, Joel Riethmuller and Ben Lowe but they are exactly the types of players a team needs to be successful with four less men on the park.

Yes it's the attacking exploits that we will remember, but it's determination in defence that allows you to keep a side like the Warriors to nil, as the Cowboys did in their semi-final last year, much to the chagrin of the parochial Kiwi crowd.

"It's not as open a game as what people think. People think that with nine-a-side you can throw the ball around and you'll be right but it wasn't as open as what people probably thought it would be and we defended pretty well in the Nines last year," said Green.

"Hopefully that showed a little bit of a shift in attitude[at the Cowboys] because historically we've never had any problems scoring points, we've probably just had a few dramas defending points in recent seasons."

[TITAN PETE]

COWBOYS NINES SQUAD:

1 Michael Morgan
2 Justin O’Neill
3 Tautau Moga
4 Kyle Feldt
5 Matthew Wright
6 Ray Thompson
7 Robert Lui
8 John Asiata
9 Rory Kostjasyn
10 Kelepi Tanginoa
11 Gavin Cooper (c)
12 Ethan Lowe
13 Jason Taumalolo
14 Jake Granville
15 Zac Santo
16 Coen Hess
17 Javid Bowen
18 Ben Spina

[DIEHARD]

How to win the Auckland Nines
By Tony Webeck, Chief Queensland Correspondent

The Cowboys lifted the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines trophy last year on gritty defence as much as blistering attack.

Twelve months after guiding the Cowboys to their first top-grade title, North Queensland coach Paul Green says he will adopt the same philosophy towards this weekend's Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines.

With his squad expected to be announced on Tuesday, Green is tipped to once again leave Johnathan Thurston back in Townsville wrapped tightly in cotton wool while Test props James Tamou and Matt Scott are racing the clock to be fit for Round 1 and will also not take part.

The latest Auckland Nines squad lists

Antonio Winterstein and Rob Lui have both dropped hints that they will be in New Zealand this weekend and young flyers such as Kyle Feldt and Javid Bowen are all but certainties to play again, Feldt having been named the breakout player of the tournament last year.

But ask the coach how to win a Nines tournament and the defending champ says he is still at a loss to explain what it takes.

"I wouldn't have a clue! Bit of luck?" was Green's response.

"We didn't take it very seriously last year, and when I say that I mean that we didn't prepare for it. I think we had one training session before we left and we'll do the same this year."

Watch every game of the Auckland Nines LIVE with the NRL Digital Pass

But underlying the vivid memories of expansive ball movement, long-range tries, spectacular try-scoring feats and Freddy's 70 (80? 90?) metre intercept try was the value of modern rugby league principles and how they hold up in the nine-a-side format.

Having been a member of the Broncos team that lost to the Cowboys 16-7 in the final last year, Andrew McCullough will this year captain a Brisbane team minus their Four Nations representatives but boasting the wizardry of Anthony Milford for the first time.

Master coach Wayne Bennett has not yet let any of the Brisbane boys practise their flick passes, corner post-evading contortionism or double under run-arounds with two switches of play, merely insisting his side make their tackles and complete their sets.

"The game shouldn't change too much. Your structures that you put in place still work there like they do in normal football," McCullough said. "You push up as you would for a 13-man game when someone's running the ball and all those little things count.

"We didn't take it too seriously last year but in saying that we tackled well and played for each other.

"You still have to tackle properly and you still have to get through your sets well. In the Nines, if you complete your sets well most of the time you can score a try or two so you still have to be able to hang onto the ball and complete well."

Ah defence, the dreaded 'D' word of rugby league exhibitionism.

With all due respect, the 90,000 fans who crammed into Eden Park last year didn't shell out their Kiwi dollars to see effort upon effort in defence from the likes of Chris Houston, Joel Riethmuller and Ben Lowe but they are exactly the types of players a team needs to be successful with four less men on the park.

Yes it's the attacking exploits that we will remember, but it's determination in defence that allows you to keep a side like the Warriors to nil, as the Cowboys did in their semi-final last year, much to the chagrin of the parochial Kiwi crowd.

"It's not as open a game as what people think. People think that with nine-a-side you can throw the ball around and you'll be right but it wasn't as open as what people probably thought it would be and we defended pretty well in the Nines last year," said Green.

"Hopefully that showed a little bit of a shift in attitude[at the Cowboys] because historically we've never had any problems scoring points, we've probably just had a few dramas defending points in recent seasons."

Source: http://www.nrl.com

[TITAN PETE]

TOP FIVE TEAMS AT THE NINES
DAN NICHOLLS – JANUARY 28, 2015
NEWS, NRL NINES


Being only the second edition of the NRL Nines tournament, there is still a feeling of the unknown as we head into this weekend.

Looking at the squads, it’s fair to say some teams are sending teams capable of winning the tournament, while others are sending squads to purely fulfil their obligation and return home injury free.

Although we will not see the likes of Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston, there is a plethora of first grade talent on show, and plenty of up and coming stars of the future.

The below are the five sides I believe will challenge for the title this weekend.

5. Brisbane Broncos

Star Player: Anthony Milford

Player(s) To Watch: Jayden and Kodi Nikorima

Runners up in last year’s inaugural tournament, the Broncos have named a side perhaps short on NRL talent but ripe with players who may set this format on fire.

Bennett named an extremely strong side last season while at Newcastle, and travelled with the intent to win it. An injury to star Jarrod Mullen may have scared him from naming the likes of Ben Hunt and Justin Hodges this time around.

Anthony Milford, if he fires, is a genuine chance to take out player of the tournament such is his elusiveness. The Nikorima brothers enter the tournament with huge wraps and may use this opportunity to press their claim for an NRL spot this season.

The Broncs probably haven’t named the strike power needed to go one step further than last season, however they will be one of the dark horses. The Sharks are favourites to top the pool and I see the Brisbane based side going through in second place.

$21 represents great value if you’re looking to back an outsider to shock the likes of the Warriors.

I get the feeling Bennett has named a squad strong enough to win it if good enough on the day(s) without taking too many risks. Milford is absolutely key here, and a good performance could provide a huge confidence boost ahead of the season proper.

4. Cronulla Sharks

Star Player: Valentine Holmes

Player To Watch: Jack Bird

The Sharks sent over the strongest side in 2014, looking to enjoy the financial windfalls on offer by taking it out. Although the fell just short of the final, they suffered injuries to Todd Carney and Paul Gallen, and never got going come NRL kick off.

This season the likes of Fifita, Gallen, Gordon and Barba have been not crossed the Tasman, but make no mistake, the Sharks will be amongst the big guns once again.

Led by Wade Graham, following an injury to Luke Lewis, the Sharks will be looking to unleash the likes of Valentine Holmes, Jack Bird, Gerard Beale and Nathan Gardner on the competition.

Saulala Houma may be the biggest and most imposing player taking part in the tourney, and he will be tasked with creating space for the Sharks quick outside men.

Nu Brown and Val Holmes tasted NRL action late last season and will be better for it, and I expect Holmes especially to be amongst the top players of the two-day event.

There aren’t many holes in the squad, and it looks far more sensible than the one selected last year. They should top their group and at least match their semi final result from last season.

3. North Queensland Cowboys

Star Player: Jason Taumalolo

Player To Watch: Tautau Moga

The defending champions look as though they are serious about trying to defend their crown, judging by the squad they named.

Taumalolo was an absolute revelation last season and is one of the most dangerous back rowers named to travel across the competition.

Tautau Moga should find plenty of space and may go close to topping the try scoring charts should the Cowboys venture deep into day two.

Probably haven’t named the strongest squad, but it’s very similar in terms of ability and attributes to the one the named last year, which did ok.

There was talk of naming co-Dally M medalist Thurston, however common sense prevailed as he is named to play the All Stars game in mid Feb.

It’s going to be extremely difficult to go back-to-back,but with the likes of Moga, Feldt, and Wright sniffing around for tries, they’re a shot.

2. New Zealand Warriors

Star Player: Shaun Johnson

Player To Watch: Matthew Allwood

For the second straight season the Warriors will start raging hot favourites to take it out after naming an incredible squad.

Shaun Johnson is the biggest draw card across the event and should go close to taking out player of the tourney yet again. Supporting him are the likes of Sam Tompkins, Ryan Hoffman, Manu Vatuvei and Simon Mannering.

Although they will trim their squad before kick off on Saturday, I think Matt Allwood will not only survive the cut but may be a shining light on the back of some amazing Warriors plays.

A very balanced squad, and one that is brimming with genuine NRL stars, I don’t see how the Warriors can’t at least match their efforts from last season.

Once again a sell out crowd will firmly back the home side and that could be the difference. Last season they were amazing but fell one game short of the final, failing to score in their semi-final with the Cowboys, who they beat the da before.

A very strong squad, huge home town support, and extra motivation of going at least one better than last season means the Warriors will rightfully start favourites.

1. Newcastle Knights

Star Player: Jarrod Mullen

Player To Watch: Take your pick of the Mata’utia brothers

Although they’ll start as equal third favourites according to the bookies, I believe the Newcastle Knights are the team to beat.

Not scared off by last season’s injury, the Knights have again named Jarrod Mullen to play. He looked the goods last year until his injury, and there’s no reason he can’t play even better this time around.

Also named are Sione Mata’utia, Dane Gagai and Jake Mamo, who will all play huge roles if the Knights are to steal the show.

Joining Sione are his two brothers, who will be using the two-day event to show off their skills and join their brother as NRL regulars.

Somewhat surprisingly they have named both starting NRL halves, although the did leave out Tariq Sims and Uate, which is a shame for fans.

The only concern I have is with the forwards. It’s unlikely, but if a game is tight and comes down to the forwards, they may not be able to match the likes of the Warriors and Sharks, however their back line will score PLENTY of points.

It’s almost impossible to ignore the $11 on offer for the Knights, who if they fire, will light up the competition. Mata’utia and Gagai will rival the likes of Johnson and Holmes for player of the tourney.

Quick Nines Thoughts

The Panthers have shown little interest in the competition judging by their squad. Is Sika Manu really a top five player?

I’m VERY surprised that the Sea Eagles have named both Foran and Cherry-Evans to play. A HUGE risk.

I like the idea of former NRL players coming back to play, but I can’t help but think there are young players who would benefit more from the experience than sending the likes of Matt King.

I may regret leaving the Eels out of the above five. Radradra, Hopoate, Folau … is it too late to change?

The Bunnies and Dogs have named stronger squads than I imagined they would.

Are Kevin Gordon and Jacob Gagan injured? Surely they weren’t left out.

It’s incredibly difficult to make predictions for this tournament, but I’m really looking forward to this weekend.

[TITAN PETE]

NRL Fan Day hits Auckland's Aotea Square

NRL.com
9:30am Thu 29th January, 2015

Rugby league fans you will not want to miss this.

Whether you're living in New Zealand or heading over for a packed weekend chock full of footy action at the Auckland Nines, the opportunity to meet all your favourite players is upon you – before a ball has even been kicked!

All 16 NRL clubs are heading to New Zealand for the Auckland Nines this weekend and fans will get access to every one of the 288 participating players at Auckland's Aotea Square this Friday.

Kicking off at 9am, all clubs will pop up throughout the day for exclusive signing sessions and who knows, you might even get to practice your ball skills with your heroes!

While you're waiting for your favourite player or club to arrive there will be giveaways, activities, live entertainment, a rugby league exhibition and free kids rides and games to keep you preoccupied.

And if you can't make the Nines on Saturday or Sunday then Aotea Square's Fanzone is the next best thing on the weekend with a big screen showing all 34 games live.

Friday's Fan Day Schedule (Auckland local time)
MCs: Rodg (The Rock) and Shawn Cleave (More FM)
• 10:00am - Cowboys & Sea Eagles
• 10:45am - Live music from Grace Brebner (Play It Strange Foundation)
• 11:00am - Roosters & Wests Tigers
• 11.45am - Live music from Ianetta Solomon-Brown (Play It Strange Foundation)
• 12:00pm - Knights, Rabbitohs & Panthers
• 12:35pm - Live music from RANDA – NZ on AIR Critics Choice award winner
• 1:00pm - Storm, Raiders & Dragons
• 1:45pm - Live entertainment
• 2:00pm - Titans, Broncos & Sharks
• 3:00pm - Eels, Bulldogs & Warriors
• 7:00pm - Movie screening

- - - Updated - - -

Kiwi's spreading the RL word

Great work

[TITAN PETE]

Eels star Hopoate withdraws from NRL Nines

AAP
11:54am Thu 29th January, 2015



Parramatta star Will Hopoate has pulled out of this weekend's NRL Auckland Nines to recover from a groin strain.

The Eels said Hopoate suffered some tightness during a training session on Wednesday and will miss the tournament "as a precautionary measure while he receives treatment and rests the injury".

He will be replaced by Bureta Faraimo in the 18-man squad, captained by Chris Sandow.

[TITAN PETE]

Reynolds heads up Team of the Nines

NRL
9:00pm Sun 01st February, 2015


South Sydney have claimed the 2015 Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines following an extra-time final which was finally ended by Matt King's golden try.

The Rabbitohs, who took out the trophy just months after celebrating their NRL Telstra Premiership success, defeated a gallant Cronulla 18-14 in an epic final.

Adam Reynolds also took out Player of the Tournament honours for the Rabbitohs, who went through the Nines undefeated.

Cronulla had been undefeated until the decider, knocking out favourites the Warriors in the quarter-final stages along the way to a spot in the final. The Sharks had beaten the Roosters while the Rabbitohs were too good for the Eels in the semi-finals.

In the women's series, the NZ Kiwi Ferns held up the trophy at the end of the day, taking out their three-match series against the Jillaroos, 2-1.

The Kiwi Ferns won the opening two matches of the series before the Jillaroos took out the third and final game 8-7. For the first time, matches between the two women's teams were watched by a live television audience in New Zealand via Sky Sport and Australia via FOX SPORTS.

NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg commended the efforts of all those involved, including tournament partners ATEED and Duco Events.

"It has been a hugely successful week here in Auckland, kicked off by the NRL Season Calendar launch on Thursday night, followed by Friday's Fan Day at Aotea Square attended by thousands and then some exceptionally skilful football seen here at Eden Park over the last two days," he said.

"We would like to thank the city of Auckland and the fans who have come out. Auckland has certainly put on a fantastic show and we look forward to returning again next year.

"NRL Clubs have played in this tournament with great spirit and that is what the Nines concept is all about - competitive football in a fun filled atmosphere for the fans."

Most Valuable Player: NRL Auckland Nines
Adam Reynolds

Most Valuable Player: Women's Series
Laura Mariu

NRL Auckland Nines Team of the Tournament
1. Corey Norman – Eels
2. Adam Reynolds – Rabbitohs
3. Issac Luke – Rabbitohs
4. George Burgess – Rabbitohs
5. Michael Morgan – Cowboys
6. Solomone Kata – Warriors
7. Chris Heighington – Sharks
8. Wade Graham – Sharks
9. Blake Ayshford – Sharks

[DavidBouveng]

Jake Mamo can feel a little stiffed there imo. as well as a few others. 6 out of 9 players from the GF teams seems a little too many.

Wade Graham was a revelation because he played as a real ball playing lock forward, putting players through gaps and using a ton of skill, instead of playing Gallen ball which is what he has done for a couple of years now. Just trying to prove how tough he is. This version was fantastic and i hope his coach notices.

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also, that casual drop goal conversion from Valentine holmes was incredible. Kid looks to have so much class and time.