NRL Auckland Nines 2015 – Rangitoto
Eels, Sea Eagles, Knights, Dragons
The NRL Auckland Nines is back and better than ever in 2015, with all 16 clubs showing an increased desire to return home with a whopping $2.6 million prize money on offer.
While the Rangitoto Pool, consisting of the Eels, Sea Eagles, Knights and Dragons, shapes as one of the weaker groups on paper, there is every chance one of these sides can go all the way in this 9-a-side carnival competition.
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.
Halfback Chris Sandow will lead the Eels for the first time in the 9’s tournament, and will be hoping to use this opportunity as a springboard towards his last contracted year at Parramatta.
Will Hopoate is set to face his first audition as Jarryd Hayne’s successor in the Eels’ No. 1 jumper, while fans will also get their first opportunity to view the skillset of new signings Brad Takairangi and Reece Robinson.
Plenty of speed in this squad and they are sure to excite the fans come the weekend.
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.
Geoff Toovey has selected two of the most talked about men in rugby league for the Nines, with star halves Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans to feature – the latter of which will lead the side. While their immediate playing futures remain uncertain, their undoubted impact on the competition is not.
Clinton Gutherson and Feleti Mateo are two other exciting talents that are sure to prove they belong in the Sea Eagles’ top 17 in 2015 throughout the tournament.
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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
Three out of four Mata’utia brothers have been named in the Knights’ Auckland Nines squad, with Sione, Chanel, and Pat set to take the competition by storm as they continue their outstanding form from 2014. They’ll tear teams apart if they get good service from their halves.
Once again, coach Rick Stone has rested few players from the squad, with incumbent halves Jarrod Mullen and Tyrone Roberts joining exciting youngsters Dane Gagai and Carlos Tuimavave in a formidable attacking line.
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
Benji Marshall, Josh Dugan, and Jason Nightingale headline Paul McGregor’s squad and look set to take on a starring role for the Dragons throughout the duration of the tournament. Given their capabilities, should these three men fire, they could well give some of the favourites a run for their money.
Having been given a glowing endorsement and labeled the “next big thing” by Marshall in the weeks preceding the competition, Euan Aitken is tipped by many to launch a stellar career from the 9’s and will certainly be one to watch.
To go through:
Dragons and Knights
Draw:
Eels v Sea Eagles (Saturday, 10.30am AEDT)
Knights v Dragons (Saturday, 10.55am AEDT)
Eels v Knights (Saturday, 2.20pm AEDT)
Sea Eagles v Dragons (Saturday, 2.50pm AEDT)
Eels v Dragons (Sunday, 9.10am AEDT)
Sea Eagles v Knights (Sunday, 9.35am AEDT)