Pool: Hunua Pool (Roosters, Raiders, Rabbitohs, Cowboys)
Squad: Jeff Lima (c), Zac Santo, Eddie Aiono, Thomas Cronan, Brent Naden, Nick Cotric, Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer, Dunamis Lui, Adam Clydsdale, Luke Bateman, Scott Sorensen, Jordan Turner, Paul Roache, Mark McCormack, Anthony Moraitis, Makahesi Makatoa, Topi Tafua
Games
vs South Sydney Rabbitohs (1:05pm Feb 4 AEDT)
vs North Queensland Cowboys (4:35pm Feb 4 AEDT)
vs Sydney Roosters (11:30am Feb 5 AEDT)
Ricky Stuart has gone with a rather odd approach towards his Nines squad. He’s selected a young squad full of uncapped players, yet risked both of his starting halves in the form of Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer. Both players had injury riddled seasons in 2016, so their inclusion is puzzling to say the least.
RELATED: Click here to see the 2017 Auckland Nines jerseys!
Despite only playing a handful of games for the Raiders, Jeff Lima will captain the side as one of the oldest men in the NRL. While he’s not guaranteed a spot in the team’s top seventeen, Lima will battle it out with Luke Bateman and Dunamis Lui for a bench spot in the squad.
One surprising omission is Dave Taylor, who has spent the summer at Canberra on a train-and-trail contract. After reportedly earning a contract after dropping nine kilograms, the Nines seems to be Taylor made, with his explosiveness and creativity key assets in an Auckland charge.
Who To Watch: Jordan Turner. The Englishman joins the Raiders in 2017 after 229 Super League games, with his ability to play at centre, wing, five-eighth and lock set to make him a valuable utility. Possessing the speed of a winger despite his 101kg frame, Turner could prove a handful to opposition, especially in a nine-a-side format. Chosen on the bench for the World All Stars, Turner is set to impress in his first appearance in lime green.
RELATED: Click here to see the 2017 Auckland Nines squads!
Why They Can Win: The halves. Apart from Shaun Johnson, Blake Austin is one of a few halves in the competition tailor-made for the tournament. His show-and-go is up there with Jonathan Thurston’s, and his speed can easily bamboozle defensive lines. Aidan Sezer’s running game isn’t as utilised, but his kicking and passing game makes up for it. If Austin and Sezer can click with those around them, they could lead their team past the pool stage – and possibly even better.
Why They Can’t Win: The rest of the squad. Two men don’t make a team, that’s for sure. The halves can only do so much, with the tournament set to be used as a development for younger players alongside quality halves. Jeff Lima, besides leadership, offers little in the format, while Adam Clydsdale looks to land the Raider’s number 14 jersey while Kurt Baptiste recovers from an achilles tear.
Prediction: Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer will strive, but the rest of the squad will struggle against opposition teams. Youngsters like Nick Cotric will leave their mark on the Nines, but the squad will be no match for the likes of Jonathan Thurston or Cody Walker. Look for Canberra to be pinned in their half for the majority of matches.
