While the Auckland Nines throws up a lot of entertainment to start off the season, it also acts as an opportunity for rookies to loom as bolters for a first-grade spot.
Over the four years, uncapped rookies Jack Bird, Solomone Kata, Bevan French and Gideon Gela-Mosby have topped the try-scoring tally, and apart from Gela-Mosby, have gone on to debut that year.
With a motza of youngsters throwing their hands up at this year’s tournament, here are the questions the Auckland Nines has left your club.
BRISBANE BRONCOS
Where does Benji Marshall fit in?
A million-dollar question, Marshall seeming doesn’t have a spot in the top seventeen at Red Hill. He put on a solid display in day one, despite a few errors, but he hasn’t done enough to unseat anyone.
Milford and Hunt will undoubtedly remain the halves duo, while Benji doesn’t have anywhere near as much utility value as Kodi Nikorima. Jordan Kahu was equal top try-scorer, and seemingly has the left centre spot locked up.
CANBERRA RAIDERS
How does Jordan Turner squeeze into the NRL?
Ricky Stuart’s newest English recruit made his debut in lime green over the weekend, his size and speed making him a key asset for the green machine. Blessed with the ability to play centre, wing, five-eighth and lock, Turner could be a strong option for a utility role.
The Raiders have one of the NRL’s strongest backlines and all representative back row making it a tough gig for Turner. Bench hooker Kurt Baptiste is sidelined with an achilles tear, so expect Turner to start the season on the bench.
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Where do young forwards fit into Des Hasler’s star-studded forward pack?
The Bulldogs have one of the best forward packs in the NRL, with names like Tolman, Graham, Jackson, Eastwood, Klemmer and Kasiano in the team. Canterbury has made a point of sending weak squads across the Nines’ history, giving the Dog’s young guns a chance to impress. And they did.
Recruit Francis Tualau ran amok for his new team, showing a surprisingly quick turn of pace for a prop, while back-rower Renouf To’omaga also impressed in short stints. Expect both to get a run over the Origin period, if not sooner.
CRONULLA SHARKS
Who will be the Shark’s fullback for Round 1?
Ben Barba has said au revoir to the NRL, leaving Valentine Holmes as the premier’s new custodian. Well, that was the plan until the Kangaroo’s incumbent tore his hamstring in a trial on Saturday.
Jack Bird is already short odds to now wear the number one jersey for the first few rounds, but that also leaves a vacancy in the backline. Gerard Beale will move into the centres, with a few youngsters emerging throughout the Nines.
Jesse Ramien and Will Kennedy both crossed the line during the tournament. Former Bronco Jordan Drew is favourite to take the spot, though second-rower Kurt Capewell is an outside chance for the spot.
GOLD COAST TITANS
Who will start the season at five-eighth?
Despite bowing out with a whimper on day two, halves Tyrone Roberts and Kane Elgey both had strong tournaments, putting pressure on Neil Henry to make the right call. Ash Taylor is assured of the halfback role, meaning Elgey and Roberts are fighting it out for a starting spot.
Roberts partnership led the Titans to their first finals game in six years, though Elgey shone in his debut season, but missed last year with an ACL injury. Both have valuable assets to their game, and while utility value is usually a blessing, it could be Robert’s undoing with the former Knight set to start on the bench for the Titans.
MANLY SEA EAGLES
Who will replace Matt Parcell on the bench?
Trent Barrett had Manly fans livid with his decision to offload rookie rake Matt Parcell to the Super League but attempted to solve the problem days later with the signing of youngster Jackson Hastings. Recruit Blake Green will partner captain Daly Cherry-Evans while Apisai Koroisau will start as hooker, meaning Hastings will be relegated to the bench.
Until the Nines happened, that is. Hastings missed the tournament with a knee injury, leaving Cameron Cullen as the squad’s chief playmaker. Cullen stood up, leading Manly to a quarter-final that they’d eventually lose in extra time. Cullen’s energy and ability have seen him leapfrog Hastings in the race for the utility role.
MELBOURNE STORM
Where does Brodie Croft fit in, and who is the new left winger?
Technically it’s two questions, but both important ones at that. Brodie Croft looked like a young Cooper Cronk as he led a youthful squad to the quarterfinals, and within a minute of the final and earning a spot in the team of the tournament. Croft laid his claims for Blake Green’s vacant five-eighth position, but front-runner Cameron Munster also made the team of the tournament, so don’t expect to see Croft until the Origin period.
Meanwhile, the battle for Marika Koroibete’s spot heated up with Josh Addo-Carr and Young Tonumapeia both putting in strong performances. Addo-Carr showed off his speed as well as some smart defensive plays, while Tonumapeia co-captained the team and scored a few nifty tries. The trials will have a big say on who lines up outside Cheyse Blair in Round One.
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Where does Tui Lolohea fit in?
After Shaun Johnson was ruled out of the tournament with a groin injury, all eyes were on Tuimoala Lolohea to lead the squad. While he showed off his flashy feet, Lolohea struggled to organise the side as the failed to win a single game, even held to nil by Parramatta.
Lolohea wasn’t pleased when the Warriors signed Kieran Foran, with the Warriors junior’s eyes firmly on the six jersey. The youngster proved he isn’t ready for the halves yet, with Lolohea set to combine on the right edge with David Fusitu’a, with Fusitu’a likely to start the season at centre.
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