After the relative success of Brad Fittler and Steve Menzies taking part in last yearโs nines tournament, and the announcement that Ken Nagas will represent the Raiders in this yearโs event, I thought it might be fun to look at some former players who could probably line up this year if available.
This is in no way to be taken as a prediction, nor do I have any information of players being approached, this is purely for fun.
The only real qualification for inclusion is having played for the club in the past and no longer being a registered member of the team.
Iโd love to hear who you believe could line up for your side later this month, or if you believe the guest stars are a good idea, or a waste of a roster spot.
Broncos โ Chris Walker
There was talk recently that Chris Walker was returning to rugby league, and a stint in the Ninesย could be a platform to showcase his talents. In his day Walker was lightning fast and could punish a lazy defender, plus his larrikin personality would have been an asset to those who are promoting the tournament. At only 34, and still playing footy, itโs not beyond the realms of possibility.
Raiders โ Lesley Vainikolo
Itโs hard to believe but the Volcano is still only 35 years of age, despite not playing for the Raiders since 2002. The big winger has been playing Rugby since his sting in the super league, and would still frighten some opposition defences. Those who remember Vainikolo will remember his size and speed, two aspects which would create the perfect nines prototype.
Bulldogs โ Luke Patten
The general currently presides in the video refereeโs box, so he is well up to date with the rule changes the game has under gone in the past few years, plus he still looks like he could train with the full time squad. A brilliant fullback during his career, Luke Patten would have torn up the shorter form of the game with that trademark step.
Eels - Nathan Hindmarsh
Nathan Hindmarsh is in the sort of shape where you feel heโd be just game time away from holding his own if called upon. The nines isnโt exactly the format for big tackle counts, but Hindmarsh had that never say die attitude, you could put money on the fact the last man chasing the break aways would be the Eels legend.
Sharks โ David Peachey
The Sharks legend reportedly still runs around in bush footy, and remains in incredible shape. Perhaps the most exciting fixture for the black, white and blue since ET, would definitely have starred if the format had been available at the time. I just hope if he does return, he puts that ball down well short of the dead ball line.
Storm โ Matt Geyer
Thereโs supposedly a photo of Matt Geyer training with the Storm squad recently, so if true, would prove he is able to withstand the rigors of training. Geyer is currently the right side of 40, and only retired in 2008. I doubt heโll be named for the tourney, although the Storm donโt seem too concerned with winning the event, so they may register a club legend to send.
Knights โ Adam MacDougall
Anyone who has seen Mad Dog in his columns in the paper will see he is in incredible shape and is currently marketing a shake and fitness program for men. MacDougal is the sort of character that the nines tournament could really market. Thereโs no doubt heโs fit enough, and would certainly be a draw card.
Warriors โ Stacey Jones
Could there be anyone else? Stacey Jones would have been one of the major stars of the event in his day, or even now. He and Shaun Johnson are very similar in terms of their game being chock full of excitement and highlights. His short kicking game alone would have been a major highlight or the two-day contest.
Tigers โ Matthew Rieck
34 year old Matt Rieck has been out of the game since leaving the Tigers in 2005, but those who remember Rieck will remember him as one of the fastest men to ever play the game. Even now, youโd imagine Reick still has plenty of pace, but even if he had slowed considerably, heโd still be fast. Although he only played six games for the Tigers, if he had not fallen out with Tim Sheens, he may have played many more.
Rabbits โ Craig Wing
35 year old Craig Wing could slot straight into any NRL squad and hold his own fitness wise. Wingโs speed out of dummy half would have been invaluable in the format in his day. Plenty of ladies would have made sure they were watching due to Wingโs presence, meaning marketing wise he would be great for both the club and tournament.
Roosters โ Anthony Minichiello
OKย this is a cheat selection I fully admit, but I was kind of expecting Mini to go around in this yearโs tourney as a send-off of sorts. Anthonyย Minichiello is one of the true gentlemen to play the game and would be the role model the nines could market heavily. Itโs unlikely he would have lost his touch in the off-season and would be a fun way for the former golden boot winner to say goodbye.
Dragons โ Trent Barrett
Although Trent Barrett is now 37 years of age, he still looks like a million dollars thanks to his roles within the coaching ranks. Although he slowed considerably in his later career, proving that he was indeed human, Barrett, in his prime, would have been the first player picked for the Red V if the nines had been around.
Titans โ Preston Campbell
Preston Campbell is not in the shape he was in his playing days, there hasnโt been many more exciting players in their prime than the former Dally M medallist. Campbell is credited with the All Stars concept, and his game would have been one of the reasons the nines were introduced.
Cowboys โ Matt Bowen
Matt Bowen was still at somewhere near his best for Wigan last season, and would no doubt be a huge drawcard for the nines. Bowen is one of the most exciting players I have seen play the game, and would be the ideal nines player. You certainly wouldnโt want to be kicking to him knowing the space he could take advantage of.
Panthers โ Ryan Girdler
Still in great shape, Girdler would be great fun to see run around, despite retiring in 2004. At 42, itโs a long shot, but Girdler would definitely keep opposition players on notice in regards to possible intercepts, much like a fellow 42 year old did last season. Girdler is one of the best character off field, so would add personality to proceedings also.
Sea Eagles โ Ben Kennedy
One of the best wide running back rowers in his day, he would have been a big asset to a nines side in his day, and could be good fun to watch go around now. To be honest I havenโt seen much of Kennedy since his retirement but even if he is no longer in footballing shape, you donโt forget talent. The guy could pass a ball from anywhere and would contribute plenty of line break assists.
Do you like the idea of retired players playing? Or disagree with the legendsย @suthodanย has chosen? Hit him up on Twitter!
