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?

9. Newcastle Knights โ€“ Adam MacDougall

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Adam MacDougall of the Knights acknowledges the crowd after playing his last home game during the round 26 NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Ausgrid Stadium on September 2, 2011 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

The Knightโ€™s have a lot of options when it comes to this tournament. Andrew Johns could still match it with a few, and Danny Buderus only hung up the boots in 2013. But MacDougall would be the fittest of the lot by far.

Since retiring at the end of 2011, MacDougall launched his own fitness regime, The Man Shake, and has stayed remarkably fit. With suspension and injuries already sweeping Newcastle before the season kicks off, they could use a man like MacDougall for a couple of days in Auckland.

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