Which retiree could appear for your club at the Auckland Nines?

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 tournament’s most memorable moments in its brief history have come from retired players, with Brad Fitler’s intercept try and Matt King’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 your club at the tournament? Brisbane Broncos – Scott Prince [caption id="attachment_24132" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Scott Prince of the Broncos calls out to his team mates during the round four NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium on March 29, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] It’s been just over three years since Scott Prince laced up a boot, but by all reports, he’s as fit as ever. Reports even surfaced late last year that a Super League side had considered signing him for 2017, a sign he can still match it with the best of them. And in the Nines format, he could certainly do some damage. The possibility of Prince teaming up with recruit Benji Marshall will have rugby league fans salivating, with the two combining to deliver the Wests Tigers their maiden premiership – some twelve years ago. Canberra Raiders – Alan Tongue [caption id="attachment_24952" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 04: Alan Tongue of the Raiders farewells suporters after the round 26 NRL match between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the Canberra Raiders at ANZ Stadium on September 4, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] It’s hard to find a player any tougher than Alan Tongue. The former Raider’s captain once played with a nose so badly broken it had flipped around, a kind of leadership that could give a young Canberra squad a big advantage. Playing at hooker previously in his career, the ruptured achilles suffered by Kurt Baptiste and Ricky Stuart’s need to rest star Josh Hodgson could leave the Raiders no choice but to throw Tongue into the tournament. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs – Hazem El Masri [caption id="attachment_24953" align="aligncenter" width="3000"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 30: Hazem El Masri of the Bulldogs attempts a conversion during the round 25 NRL match between the Bulldogs and the Warriors at ANZ Stadium on August 30, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] The NRL’s highest ever point scorer could be a handy addition to the Bulldog’s Nines squad in 2017, especially due to the fact that Des Hasler is renowned for sending inexperienced squads to the competition. With Hasler likely to rest the Morris brothers and Will Hopoate, Canterbury’s backline could be a little thin over the two-day tournament. While his speed and finishing ability are two massive strengths, El Masri’s boot could be the sides biggest acquisition. Despite the format meaning tries are converted with drop kicks instead of conversions, El Masri would be sure to send a few kicks over the black dot in a tournament where accurate goal-kicking is essential. Cronulla Sharks – John Morris [caption id="attachment_24954" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 26: John Morris of the Sharks passes the ball during the round 11 NRL match between the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Remondis Stadium on May 26, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Renee McKay/Getty Images)[/caption] This journeyman has played over 300 NRL games in his career and could be a handy inclusion to a squad where hooking options are limited. The retirement of premiership-winner Michael Ennis leaves recruits Daniel Mortimer and Manaia Cherrington, as well as young gun Jayden Brailey fighting it out for the hooker role. While the Nines could be a good place to let the hookers battle it out, it’s more likely Shane Flanagan will save them for the official trial matches, leaving a gap at rake for the Nines squad. John Morris carries a wealth of experience and his service from dummy-half could see the Sharks progress deep into the tournament’s finals. Gold Coast Titans – Preston Campbell [caption id="attachment_24955" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 09: Preston Campbell of the Titans makes a line break during the round 18 NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Gold Coast Titans at Campelltown Sports Stadium on July 9, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] The little livewire may be 39, but that doesn’t mean he’s any less evasive then he was when he hung up the boots. ‘Presto’ had some of the quickest legs in the competition in his heyday, and the former Dally M winner could add even more spark to a Nines squad that has already confirmed the inclusion of Jarryd Hayne. Seeing Hayne and Campbell combine on the field could be magical to watch, and hell for an opposition’s defence. Manly Sea Eagles – Jamie Lyon [caption id="attachment_21016" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 01: Jamie Lyon of Manly lines up for a goal kick during the round 21 NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Brisbane Broncos at Central Coast Stadium on August 1, 2015 in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)[/caption] He only played his final game less than six months ago, meaning the premiership-winning captain still has a good load of fitness around him. His ability to set up his outside man has always been a key asset to the game, while his running and kicking at five-eighth just adds more to his game. Lyon missed the final three matches of his career in 2016, with a successful tournament possibly shaping as a fitting swansong to a glittering career. Melbourne Storm – Todd Lowrie [caption id="attachment_24956" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 04: Todd Lowrie of the Storm dives into the water during a Melbourne Storm NRL training session at Anglesea Beach on February 4, 2010 in Anglesea, Australia. (Photo by Mark Dadswell/Getty Images)[/caption] Another club renowned for sending weaker squads across the ditch, the inclusion of the premiership-winning lock could add some starch to Melbourne’s pack in the tournament. As Melbourne look certain to rest forwards Tohu Harris, Dale Finucane and Jesse Bromwich, an appearance from Lowrie could sure up the Storm’s middle third. New Zealand Warriors – Ruben Wiki [caption id="attachment_24945" align="aligncenter" width="3000"] 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)[/caption] 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 tournament’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 Warrior’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. Newcastle Knights – Adam MacDougall [caption id="attachment_24957" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] 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)[/caption] The Knight’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. North Queensland Cowboys – Brent Tate [caption id="attachment_24958" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 08: Brent Tate of the Cowboys looks on during the round one NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Canberra Raiders at 1300SMILES Stadium on March 8, 2014 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)[/caption] When you come back from as many injuries as Brent Tate has, you earn respect. Tate hasn’t played since Game Two of the 2014 State Of Origin Series, a game that ended with another ACL tear, but there’s no doubt that he could still play. Playing fifty rep matches, split between the Kangaroos, Maroons and NRL All Stars, a player of Tate’s calibre would be a handy pick up for the Cowboys. The confirmed inclusion of Jonathan Thurston means Tate won’t have to worry about leading the team, he just needs to perform. And he always does. Parramatta Eels – Luke Burt [caption id="attachment_24962" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 04: Luke Burt of the Eels in action during the round nine NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Canterbury Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on May 4, 2012 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] A veteran of over 250 NRL games, Luke Burt knows how to find the try line. Scoring 124 tries in his fourteen-year career, Burt is also a handy goal kicker, not to mention he’s potted a few field goals in his career. While Parramatta definitely possesses strike power in their backline with the likes of Bevan French, Semi Radradra, Michael Jennings and Josh Hoffman, how many turn out to the Nines is yet to be seen. After having last year’s trophy stripped from them, the Eels will be hungry to win it back. And with Luke Burt (and his boot) in the side, he definitely improves their chances. Penrith Panthers – Jamie Soward [caption id="attachment_19901" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 08: Jamie Soward of the Panthers runs with the ball during the round nine NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium on May 8, 2015 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] He’s only been out of the game for six months, but Soward has already racked up a lot of gratitude from Phil Gould. Soward revealed that he walked away from Penrith (and the biggest wage of his career) so he didn’t prevent the growth of Nathan Cleary and Te Maire Martin. Selfless acts like don’t go unnoticed, so it wouldn’t be a shock to see him get a fitting finale at the Nines tournament. Still possessing a wealth of speed and a strong kicking game, Soward could prove to be one of the best players in the tournament if he turned out for the mountain men. South Sydney Rabbitohs – Rhys Wesser [caption id="attachment_24963" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 11: Rhys Wesser of the Rabbitohs runs the ball during the round one NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at the Sydney Football Stadium on March 11, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Rhys Wesser didn’t have a lengthy career at Redfern, but he made an impact. The former Panther spent the twilight of his career at South Sydney under John Lang, and still continues to work for South’s charity South’s Cares. If ‘Rhys Lightning’ still has the pace and evasiveness he possessed in his career, then he’d be more than capable of leading a presumably young Rabbitohs' squad at the Nines. And if Wesser isn't available, coach Michael Maguire is still young enough to pull on the boots... St. George Illawarra Dragons – Ben Hornby [caption id="attachment_24961" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 14: Ben Hornby of the Dragons looks dejected as he leaves the field after a golden point time loss during the round 10 NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Centrebet Stadium on May 14, 2012 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Another player who fell just shy of joining the prestigious ‘300 club’ in the NRL, Hornby could prove an adequate fill-in for the Dragons over the space of the two-day tournament. After letting go of Benji Marshall, replacement half Drew Hutchison has torn his ACL, and with Gareth Widdop set to be rested, Hornby could do the job as their other halves options stay wrapped in cotton wool. Still involved with the club as a co-coach of the club’s Holden Cup team, Paul McGregor could do a lot worse than chuck Hornby into the eighteen-man squad. Sydney Roosters – Anthony Minichiello [caption id="attachment_24960" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 15: Anthony Minichiello poses during a Sydney Roosters NRL press conference at Allianz Stadium on January 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)[/caption] Anthony Minichiello, ‘The Count’, would be up there with Adam MacDougall as one of the fittest retired rugby league players out there. Known for his rigorous training during his playing days, Mini has continued to train since hanging up the boots and could do a very good job at the Nines in a team likely to be missing the likes of Mitchell Pearce, Blake Ferguson and Shaun Kenny-Dowall. While there’s no doubt over his finishing ability, it’s his playmaking that could prove essential to the team, and see the Roosters progress into the finals of the tournament. Wests Tigers – Pat Richards [caption id="attachment_24959" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] during the round one NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Wests Tigers at Cbus Super Stadium on March 7, 2015 on the Gold Coast, Australia.[/caption] A premiership winner with Wests Tigers and the Wigan Warriors, Richards hung up the boots at the end of 2016 after spending a season with the Catalan Dragons. Known for having one of the best boots in the NRL, Richards could prove to be the Auckland Nines MVP if chosen by the Tigers with his boot kicking some stunning field goals in his career. A bona fide match winner throughout his career, converting tries at the tournament are just as important as scoring them, and with Richards guiding the side, the Tigers can do both.

		P	W	L	PTS	+/-
1	NZW	2	2	0	4	58
2	CAN	1	1	0	4	1
3	MEL	1	1	0	2	48
4	CRO	1	1	0	2	40
5	PEN	1	1	0	2	26
6	NEW	1	1	0	2	10
7	SOU	2	1	1	2	2
8	WST	0	0	0	2	0

Which retiree could appear for your club at the Auckland Nines?

14. St. George Illawarra Dragons – Ben Hornby

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