Being only the second edition of the NRLย Nines tournament, there is still a feeling of the unknown as we head into this weekend.
Looking at the squads, itโs 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 yearโs 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 havenโt 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 youโre 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 arenโt 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 havenโt named the strongest squad, but itโs 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.
Itโs going to be extremely difficult to go back-to-back,but with the likes of Moga, Feldt, and Wright sniffing around for tries, theyโre 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 donโt see how the Warriors canโt 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 Mataโutia brothers
Although theyโll start as equal third favourites according to the bookies, I believe the Newcastle Knights are the team to beat.
Not scared off by last seasonโs injury, the Knights have again named Jarrod Mullen to play. He looked the goods last year until his injury, and thereโs no reason he canโt play even better this time around.
Also named are Sione Mataโutia, 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. Itโs 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.
Itโs almost impossible to ignore the $11 on offer for the Knights, who if they fire, will light up the competition. Mataโutia 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?
- Iโm 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 canโt 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 โฆ 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 werenโt left out.
- Itโs incredibly difficult to make predictions for this tournament, but Iโm really looking forward to this weekend.
