The Auckland Nines are just over two weeks away, with NRL clubs set to finalise their squads within the next week or so. Over the past few years, one highlight of the tournament has been the appearance of retired players.

Some of the tournamentโ€™s most memorable moments in its brief history have come from retired players, with Brad Fitlerโ€™s intercept try and Matt Kingโ€™s extra-time tournament winner at the peak. As retired players become more popular at the Nines, which former player could possibly make an appearance for yourย club at the tournament?

8. New Zealand Warriors โ€“ Ruben Wiki

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 31: (L-R) Wairangi Koopu of the Warriors shakes hands with team-mate Ruben Wiki after the round 25 NRL match between the Warriors and the Penrith Panthers at Mt Smart Stadium on August 31, 2008 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

A cult phenomenon, Ruben Wiki could play a bigger role than a simple cameo at the Nines. While the team has included star backs such as Shaun Johnson, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Solomone Kata and Manu Vatuvei since the tournamentโ€™s beginning, their forward depth has been lacking. And Wiki could help fix that.

Despite being 43 in early 2013 Wiki showed how hard he could still hit with a bumper tackle on a streaker at a Warriorโ€™s trial match. If New Zealand could secure a fit and firing Ruben Wiki for the weekend, he would star, even with his age.

*Ruben Wiki has already been confirmed as playing in the tournament.

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