The Downer NRL 9s – Tournament Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

It’s that time again, that time of year which divides league fans. So welcome to your comprehensive Nines preview. The best on this website, for sure.

There’s the Gus Gould’s among us – who think the tournament is too much of burden on our players, and increases the risk of serious injury to one of the key blokes running around in short shorts and long socks for each team.

Then there’s the majority – who bloody love it. A great showcase to start the NRL season where off-field misdemeanours are forgotten about and life is as cherry as Dr. Pepper.

This’ll be my third attendance of the NRL Auckland Nines, after missing the first one after breaking my bum going down Rere Rockslide, inland of Gisborne (a tale best kept for another time, focus Stephen).

As a league fan, it’s not hard to get in behind such a tournament.

All 16 NRL teams are on display in one venue. That does not happen anywhere else, at any other time (Though, a round-robin match up of all teams playing at the same venue, similar to the English Super League’s “Magic Weekend” would be good) means every fan is happy.

There are stars. This year, Jarryd Hayne, Johnathan Thurston and of course princess Shaun Johnson will be on the field lapping it up.

There’s also the Jillaroos and the Kiwi Ferns, who take on each other three times across the weekend, arguably the biggest three games of the tournament too. These girls are serious players – and it’s awesome to see women’s league get some spotlight.

And of course, it’s not the Sevens (RIP) so it’s got that going for it.

Below you’ll find a team-list of each team, I’ll highlight a couple of players – and then pick out who’s going to win the thing.

PIHA POOL

Saint George Illawarra Dragons

Patrick Herbert, Nene Macdonald, Euan Aitken, Levi Dodd, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Kurt Mann, Siliva Havili, Cameron McInnes, Luciano Leilua, Tyson Frizell (c), Joel Thompson, Jack de Belin, Tariq Sims, Taane Milne, Shaun Nona, Will Matthews, Matt Dufty, Jai Field.

Keep an eye on: Luciano Leilia showed glimpses of being a beast in the limited time he got in first grade last year – if he’s continued to work on his conditioning, he will be a dangerous asset.

Also don’t be surprised if Kiwi Taane Milne gets a few tries in this tournament. He’s got a lot of talent.

Parramatta Eels

Nathan Brown, Kenny Edwards, Jamal Fogarty, Bevan French, David Gower, Clint Gutherson, Josh Hoffman, George Jennings, Cameron King, Suaia Matagi, Tepai Moeroa, Corey Norman (c), Marata Niukore, Scott Schulte, Rory O’Brien, Semi Radradra, Honeti Tuha, Joseph Ualesi, Troy Dargan

Keen an eye on:

Bevan French, again. This kid ripped up the Nines in 2016, and was a super star when he got on the field in first grade too. Pace to burn and a solid skill set, he’ll be dangerous with space.

Marata Nuikore gets to wear a Parramatta jersey for the first time, after coming through the Warriors system. A bulky back rower than can play in the centres. Hard to stop close to the line. Lots of size.

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

Brenton Lawrence (c), Jono Wright, Brian Kelly, Akuila Uate, Jorge Taufua, Pita Godinet, Cameron Cullen, Peter Schuster, Tom Wright, Joey Lussick, Shaun Lane, Frank Winterstein, Jarrad Kennedy, Curtis Sironen, Addin Fonua Blake, Martin Taupau, Lloyd Perrett, Dylan Walker.

Keep an eye on:

Addin Fonua Blake is trying to get his career back on track – and if he can impress here – then he’s in the running for a starting spot this season.

A handy pick up this year is Jarrad Kennedy. Deceptively fast with ball in hand, and not afraid of the rough and tumble.

New Zealand Warriors

Ruben Wiki (c), Ryan Hoffman, Junior Pauga, Matt Allwood, Blake Ayshford, Ata Hingano, Solomone Kata, Shaun Johnson, Mason Lino, Bunty Afoa, James Gavet, Tuimoala Lolohea, Jazz Tevaga, Ofahiki Ogden, Lewis Soosemea, Toafofoa Sipley, Isaiah Papalii, James Bell.

Keep an eye on:

Ruben Wiki may have lost a bit of pace in his eight years since retirement – but he’s probably the fittest and strongest he’s ever been. Run at Rubes at your peril. He’ll take this leadership position with a lot of pride.

Isaiah Papali’i could be the next cab off the rank for forwards from the Warriors. Exceptional skill. Really exciting prospect.

HUNUA POOL

North Queensland Cowboys

John Asiata, Javid Bowen, Gavin Cooper (c), Kyle Feldt, Gideon Gela-Mosby, Jake Granville, Ben Hampton, Coen Hess, Shaun Hudson, Corey Jensen, Kane Linnett, Ethan Lowe, Michael Morgan, Justin O’Neill, Kalyn Ponga, Jason Taumalolo, Johnathan Thurston, Shane Wright.

Keep an eye on:

Johnathan Thurston gets to run around for his first Nines tournament. Arguably the greatest player of all time will be able to cause havoc with a stacked side beside him.

Kalyn Ponga is a Kiwi prodigy most likely to end up a Queenslander, but there’s no doubting he’s a gun. A bit more experience behind him will help. Has dancing feet that are equal to Shaun Johnson, and is lean and quick.

Sydney Roosters

Connor Watson, Daniel Tupou, Dale Copley, Latrell Mitchell, Joseph Manu, Paul Momirovski, Mitchell Cornish, Isaac Liu, Paul Carter, Kane Evans, Ryan Matterson, Mitchell Aubusson (c), Aidan Guerra, Chris Smith, Zane Tetevano, Brendan Frei, Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck, Bernard Lewis.

Keep an eye on:

Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck is the little brother of Roger, but he’s just as good. A key member in the winning U20s side from last season. His work ethic on attack and defence is definitely noticeable. A good finisher too.

Joseph Manu got his chance in first grade last year and did play well in his chances. Carries the ball with mongrel out wide and is no slow poke.

Canberra Raiders

Jeff Lima (c), Zac Santo, Eddie Aiono, Thomas Cronan, Brent Naden, Nick Cotric, Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer, Dunamis Lui, Adam Clydsdale, Luke Bateman, Scott Sorensen, Jordan Turner, Paul Roache, Mark McCormack, Anthony Moraitis, Makahesi Makatoa, Topi Tafua.

Keep an eye on:

Paul Roache was signed by the Raiders earlier this week straight out of high school in Auckland, where he was in the New Zealand Schoolboy’s rugby side. He‘s only 18 years old – and is younger brother of Warriors rake Nathaniel.

When Zac Santo plays, people watch. A massive player for Mounties in the NSW Cup. Lots of pace and is hard to tackle.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Angus Crichton, Damien Cook, Bryson Goodwin, Aaron Gray, Zane Musgrove, Siosifa Talakai, Tyrell Fuimaono, Braidon Burns, Kyle Turner, Alex Johnston, Anthony Cherrington, Cody Walker, Hymel Hunt, Robert Jennings, Thomas Burgess, Robbie Rochow, Cam Murray, Dave Tyrrell.

Keep an eye on:

Anthony Cherrington gets a second chance. A career that was close to being over due to injury. A monster in his day. Hopefully he’s able to continue to fill out his potential. Another injury would be sad to see.

Damien Cook has Robbie Farah in his sights. I would start him over Farah in the regular season – because Cook offers so much out of dummy half. He’s always one step ahead of the defence. An all-round hooker in the Cam Smith mould.

RANGITOTO POOL

Newcastle Knights

Jamie Buhrer (c), Peter Mata’utia, Ken Sio, Brendan Elliot, Nathan Ross, Cory Denniss, Brock Lamb, Jaelen Feeney, Daniel Saifiti, Danny Levi, Jacob Saifiti, Mitch Barnett, Luke Yates, Tyler Randell, Jack Stockwell, Sam Stone, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Nick Meaney, Sione Mata’utia (Emergency Player).

Keep an eye on:

Brock Lamb is looking to get a chance in first grade with ol’ Mullen and his steroid abuse giving him a frowny face on his report card.

Lamb was able to show off a bit of talent in the NRL last year, and wants to get a good showing in at the Nines.

Tyler Randell is another one who on this young production line in the Hunter Valley. He’s been impressive in his rookie year. Lots of positive parts of his game which will transition well in to Nines.

Wests Tigers

Elijah Taylor (c), Josh Aloiai, Luke Brooks, Michael Chee Kam, Joel Edwards, Matt Eisenhuth, JJ Felise, Watson Heleta, Justin Hunt, Jack Littlejohn, Kyle Lovett, Esan Marsters, Matt McIlwrick, Kevin Naiqama, Jordan Rankin, Ava Seumanufagai, Bayley Sironen, Sauaso Sue.

Keep an eye on:

Bayley Sironen, younger sibling of Curtis has that NRL pedigree with this platform as a good chance to show what he’s made of.

A slim second rower with plenty of muscle, he’s had a lot of experience guide him and grow him up.

Elijah Taylor was the Tigers best last year. Getting the C for this tournament shows that Wests have faith in him to lead this team around from the front. Never misses a tackle this bloke.

Brisbane Broncos

Lachlan Barr, Adam Blair, Darius Boyd, Gerome Burns, Mitch Cronin, Matt Gillett, Jordan Kahu, Sam Lavea, Matiu Love-Henry, Benji Marshall, Andrew McCullough, Anthony Milford, Francis Molo, Corey Oates, Jonus Pearson, James Roberts, Gehamat Shibasaki, Jaydn Su’a.

Keep an eye on:

Anthony Milford is going to shine. A great way for him to start his season. The Milf has a mixed bag in 2016 but will look to keep banging on the door throughout 2017. Explosive pace and reads the game incredibly well.

Matiu Love-Henry is a Warriors junior, with time in the Queensland Cup for Wynnum. A slick back rower which will cause plenty of headaches for attacking sides. Loves to tackle and loves to run.

Melbourne Storm

Kenny Bromwich (c), Young Tonumaipea (c), Josh Addo-Carr, Curtis Scott, Cheyse Blair, Linc Port, Cameron Munster, Brodie Croft, Mark Nicholls, Slade Griffin, Tim Glasby, Joe Stimson, Felise Kaufusi, Scott Drinkwater, Ryley Jacks, Jake Turpin, Dean Britt, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Charlie Galo (19th man)

Keep an eye on:

Josh Addo-Carr is going to be a deadset superstar in Melbourne. The Tigers are bloody idiots for letting him go. He reminds me of South African rugby star Bryan Habana in full force. Solid shoulders, thick legs and a shit-tonne of pace. This is how JAC wants to start his Storm career, with plenty of opportunity to get on the board for his side.

Scott Drinkwater really loves to drink water, and play footy. Australian Schoolboys halfback that’s got a lot of potential. The next wave of super kids coming through in Victoria.

WAIHEKE POOL

Cronulla Sharks

Wade Graham (c), Luke Lewis, Matt Prior, Chris Heighington, Gerard Beale, Kurt Capewell, Joseph Paulo, Jack Bird, Ricky Leutele, Manaia Cherrington, Jesse Ramien, Will Kennedy, Jayden Walker, Kyle Flanagan, Sione Katoa, Billy Magoulias, Malakai Houma, Kurt Kara.

Keep an eye on:

Kurt Capewell has a big NRL career ahead of him. I like the size and the ethic of this man. He’s been around some other solid second-rowers and has learnt plenty in his time at Cronulla. I think he’s got a good tournament for him here.

Jack Bird is looking to continue his 2016 form where he represented his state. Nothing seems too much for Bird, who puts his body on the line despite his size and always in the thick of it creating space and scoring tries.

Gold Coast Titans

Morgan Boyle, Alexander Brimson, Tyler Cornish, Anthony Don, Kane Elgey, Jarryd Hayne, Ryan James, Max King, Chris McQueen, John Olive, Nathaniel Peteru, Pat Politoni, Leivaha Pulu, Tyrone Roberts, Tyronne Roberts-Davis, Hayden Schwass, Paterika Vaivai, Daniel Vidot, William Zillman.

Keep an eye on: Jarryd Hayne has a dream, and that dream is to play in the Nines. It’ll be good to see him run around and create some space. He’ll get a lot of support too. The Titans have a stacked team.

Daniel Vidot will be unrecognisable. He’s been trying to follow a dream of being a wrestler (not even kidding) so is carrying a lot more muscle than before he left to England. Bulk and speed means hard to tackle.

Penrith Panthers

Dylan Edwards, Corey Waddell, Waqa Blake, Jed Cartwright, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, Nathan Cleary, Kaide Ellis, Sione Katoa, Darren Nicholls, Tyrone May, Moses Leota, Sitaleki Akauola, James Tamou, Christian Crichton, Corey Harawira-Naera, Isaah Yeo (c), Zach Dockar-Clay, Oliver Clark.

Keep an eye on:

Despite carrying a weaker squad, there’s still plenty to like about this Panthers team. Especially Nathan Cleary.

I rate him highly. Come through the grades with a cool head, and has played well above his weight. He’ll have some fun here.

Zach Dockar-Clay is a Kiwi, and is a good half. He came to Penrith with a lot of potential and is fulfilling it big time. He’ll be able to run around with Cleary and set up a lot of good plays for the Panthers.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Josh Reynolds (c), Brad Abbey, Tom Carr, Matt Frawley, Danny Fualalo, Craig Garvey, Kerrod Holland, Sam Kasiano, David Klemmer, Lachlan Lewis, Michael Lichaa, Rhyse Martin, D’Rhys Miller, Marcelo Montoya, Tyrone Phillips, Reimis Smith, Renouf To’omaga, Francis Tualau.

Keep an eye on:

Marcelo Montoya is a freak. He’s been in the headlines this week as veteran Josh Morris reckons he’s pushing for a starting spot in the NRL. He has more than just a great name, he’s unstoppable close to the line, and can hunt players down with his deceptive speed.

I also reckon Reimis Smith has a lot to prove. He scored two tries in his first NRL game last year on the wing. Son of Tyran Smith – he’s going to be a player in the next wave of Doggies coming through the pound.

 

STEPHEN’S POOL PLAY PREDICTION

Piha

1. Dragons 2. Warriors 3. Eels 4. Sea Eagles

Hunua

1. Cowboys 2. Rabbitohs 3. Roosters 4. Raiders

Rangitoto

1. Broncos 2. Tigers 3. Storm 4. Knights

Waiheke

1. Titans 2. Panthers 3. Sharks 4. Bulldogs

 

QUARTER FINAL PREDICTIONS

Titans V Warriors – Titans advance

Panthers V Dragons – Dragons advance

Broncos V Rabbitohs – Broncos advance

Tigers V Cowboys – Cowboys advance

 

SEMI FINAL PREDICTIONS

Titans V Dragons – Titans advance

Broncos V Cowboys – Broncos advance

 

DOWNER NRL AUCKLAND NINES FINAL PREDICTION

Titans V Broncos – Titans win

The Gold Coast Titans to me, have picked the right balance in their squad.

Backed on the power up front of Ryan James, Nathaniel Peteru, and Chris McQueen – the likes of Tyler Cornish, Jarryd Hayne and Kane Elgey will run riot.

There’s plenty of skill, speed and power. The Titans have underachieved in tournaments gone by. I do think this is their time. There’s plenty to like. They’re going to entertain in style and get through this tournament undefeated.

Follow Stephen Gallagher on Twitter