The Auckland NRL Nines is an extravaganza of sun, fun and booze (the stadium stopped serving alcohol last year on account of “the entire stadium being drunk”). The 2015 edition is set to be another action packed showcase featuring all 16 NRL teams. Check out preview of each of those sides below with odds courtesy of BetEasy:
Brisbane Broncos
The squad: Andrew McCullough (captain), Ajuma Adams, Elijah Alick, Joe Boyce, Greg Eden, James Gavet, Alex Glenn, Todd Lowrie, Lachlan Maranta, Anthony Milford, Francis Molo, Darren Nicholls, Jayden Nikorima, Kodi Nikorima, Joe Ofahengaue, Tom Opacic, Matt Parcell, Aaron Whitchurch.
The player to watch: Andrew McCullough made the tournament team last year after a host of quality performances that saw his team through to the final. The 80-minute NRL player can easily go the distance in the shorter format, and in 2014 showed an improvement in his running game that makes him ideally suited to this format.
The odds: $17.00
Last Year: Beaten Finalists
This Year: Should go well again this year with Milford, Kodi Nikorima and other speedsters. Top four finish achievable.
Canterbury Bulldogs
The squad: Tim Browne, Damien Cook, Levi Dodd, Adam Elliott, Herman Ese’ese, Antonio Kaufusi, Shaun Lane, Michael Lichaa, Moses Mbye, Josh Morris, Sam Perrett, Lloyd Perrett, Tyrone Phillips, Frank Pritchard, Curtis Rona, Corey Thompson, Aiden Tolman, Tony Williams.
The player to watch: Josh Morris is the name that stands out in a squad of useful but vulnerable players. We expect the NRL Nines first timer to use his pace to stamp his mark on the Auckland event. The squad also features the exciting Sharks recruit Michael Lichaa.
The odds: $19.00
Last Year: Group Stage (1 win)
This Year: Like last year, the Bulldogs are light on superstars, but they have bolstered their squad with the likes of Tolman, Pritchard and Williams, who should bolster the defence that leaked 46 points in a difficult pool last year. Group stages again.
Canberra Raiders
The squad: Sam Williams, Mitch Cornish, Jarrod Croker (c), Lachlan Croker, Sisa Waqa, Joel Edwards, Josh McCrone, Rhys Kennedy, Glen Buttriss, Brenko Lee, Bill Tupou, Jack Ahearn, Luke Bateman, Haydon Hodge, Mark Nicholls, Kyle O’Donnell, Tevita Pangai Jnr, Ken Nagas
The player to watch: Sisa Waqa was often seen running in tries for Melbourne during most weeks of the NRL season, and despite his new colours of the Canberra green machine we expect him to do the same this weekend. Also of note, 41-year old Ken Nagas plays the Brad Fittler role of old NRL Nines veteran.
The odds: $34.00
Last Year: Group Stage (1 win)
This Year: Will probably struggle. Aside from Brenko Lee, not enough x-factor to trouble the stronger sides. Resigned to the group stages again.
Cronulla Sharks
The squad: Valentine Holmes, Sosaia Feki, Gerard Beale, Ricky Leutele, Jack Bird, Nu Brown, Kyle Stanley, Sam Tagataese, Pat Politoni, Tinirau Arona, Matt Prior, Chris Heighington, Blake Ayshford, Nathan Gardner, Todd Murphy, Sami Sauiluma, Junior Roqica.
The player to watch: Valentine Holmes was a revelation at the end of last season amongst the Sharks’ peptide debacle. After being named in the Holden Cup team of the year big things are expected of the winger. We’re picking him to be one of the NRL Nines best.
The odds: $12.00
Last Year: Semi-Finals
This Year: Could do well again, but as teams have more experience in the format and improved their squads, the Sharks could be one of the teams that go backwards. Quarter-Finals.
Gold Coast Titans
The squad: Will Zillman, James Roberts, Anthony Don, David Mead, Josh Hoffman, Brad Tighe, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Aidan Sezer, Daniel Mortimer, Christian Hazard, Kierran Moseley, Ryan James, Mark Ioane, Luke Douglas, Lachlan Burr, Davin Crampton, Dave Taylor, Matt Robinson.
The player to watch: The post season addition of Josh Hoffman is a massive coup for the traditionally disappointing Titans. Hoffman is a test quality outside back that will do very well in this format surrounded by the likes of Zillman, Mead, Sezer, Mortimer, and Taylor.
The odds: $11.00
Last Year: Group Stage (1 win)
This Year: The Titans certainly have a strong side, even if it is made up of similar players to last year. Just two wins gets you to the Quarter-Finals, and we’re backing the Titans for one. Group Stage.
Manly Sea Eagles
The squad: Daly Cherry-Evans (c), Manaia Rudolph, Jayden Hodges, Brayden Wiliame, Tony Satini, Kieran Foran, Clinton Gutherson, Tom Trbojevic, Peta Hiku, Tom Symonds, Cheyse Blair, James Hasson, Feleti Mateo, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Josh Starling, Michael Chee Kam, Blake Leary, Dunamis Lui.
The player to watch: Daly Cherry-Evans has played test football in the forwards and in the backs. He’s versatile and this year has his mate Kieran Foran playing alongside of him. Opening up space for Gutherson and Hiku to finish off the plays. The Sea Eagles has an abundance of depth with Mateo the third ball playing option.
The odds: $13.00
Last Year: Group Stage (1 win)
This Year: Despite beating the tournament winners – North Queensland Cowboys – the Sea Eagles couldn’t make the Quarter Finals. We think they will this year though. Semi-Finals too. The bookies like the look of the team as shown by the halving of their odds once the squad was released.
Melbourne Storm
The squad: Young Tonumaipea, Kenny Bromwich, Will Chambers (c), Kurt Mann, Richie Kennar, Dayne Weston, Cameron Munster, Hymel Hunt, Tim Glasby, Marika Koroibete, Travis Robinson, Christian Welch, Ben Hampton, Billy Brittain, Francis Tualau, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Suliasi Vunivalu, Shaun Nona.
The player(s) to watch: Cameron Munster and Kurt Mann both got their opportunity last year during the notoriously difficult origin period, and both made impacts much larger than their diminutive frames. The small players go well in this format and these two will be particularly elusive.
The odds: $26.00
Last Year: Group Stage (1 win)
This Year: Melbourne don’t tend to worry too much about the nines. None of the big three are available. No decent NRL Nines history. No chance. Group Stage.
Newcastle Knights
The squad: Sione Mata’utia, Jake Mamo, Dane Gagai, Chanel Mata’utia, Carlos Tuimavave, Jarrod Mullen (c), Tyrone Roberts, Pat Mata’utia, Adam Clydsdale, Paterika Vaivai, Tyler Randell, Chris Houston, Robbie Rochow, Nathan Ross, Korbin Sims, Joseph Tapine, Jack Stockwell, Danny Levi.
The player to watch: Sione Mata’utia is an 18-year old of immense promise. The youngster has already tasted test football with the Kangaroos during the Four Nations last year, and displayed so many characteristics that are shared with quality sevens and nines players. With his brothers also a part of the squad Mata’utia will be a key component of the Knights finals march.
The odds: $11.00
Last Year: Quarter-Finals
This Year: The Knights are second favourites; partly because of the brothers and partly because of a number of repeat performers who made a decent fist of it last year in making the quarters. Quarters to Semis this year again.
New Zealand Warriors
The squad: Shaun Johnson (c), Matthew Allwood, Nathan Friend, Ben Henry, Ryan Hoffman, Solomone Kata, Ngani Laumape, Sam Lisone, Tuimoala Lolohea, Sione Lousi, Suaia Matagi, Ben Matulino, Ken Maumalo, Nathaniel Roache, Bodene Thompson, Sam Tomkins, Chad Townsend, Manu Vatuvei.
The player to watch: Last years player of the tournament, Shaun Johnson, was incredibly disappointed not to deliver Auckland an NRL Nines title last year. He gets a chance this year to atone and has included some of the Warriors best to help him do so. New recruits Allwood, Wright, Thompson and Hoffman join last years team of the tournament inductee Suaia Matagi to help Johnson live up to their overwhelming favourites tag.
The odds: $3.75
Last Year: Semi-Finals
This Year: Were unfortunately held scoreless in last years semi against the Cowboys, but won’t have any problem scoring points this year with Tomkins and Johnson. They will be finalists and should take it out.
North Queensland Cowboys
The squad: Michael Morgan, Justin O’Neill, Tautau Moga, Kyle Feldt, Matthew Wright, Ray Thompson, Robert Lui, John Asiata, Rory Kostjasyn, Kelepi Tanginoa, Gavin Cooper (c), Ethan Lowe, Jason Taumalolo, Jake Granville, Zac Santo, Coen Hess, Javid Bowen, Ben Spina.
The player to watch: Kyle Feldt was the breakout star of last years tournament and the joint top scorer. He’s also part of a strong Cowboys team that is led by Gavin Cooper who made the tournament team in 2014. In Jonathan Thurston’s absence, Feldt provides the x-factor and is one to watch.
The odds: $12.00
Last Year: Champions
This Year: We don’t think they have the side to go back to back, but could sneak by some better teams that take them lightly.
Parramatta Eels
The squad: Wil Hopoate, Semi Radradra, John Folau, Brad Takairangi, Reece Robinson, Corey Norman, Chris Sandow (c), Junior Paulo, Kaysa Pritchard, Peni Terepo, Manu Ma’u, Tepai Moeroa, Joseph Paulo, David Gower, Kenny Edwards, Halauafu Lavaka, Pauli Pauli, Luke Kelly
The player to watch: Manu Ma’u has gone from a New Zealand prison to a Rugby League superstar thanks to his breakout season last year for the Eels. Although he broke his arm late in the NRL season, he was still one of the finds of the competition. He’ll be hoping to pick up where he left off last year (in the 13 man code).
The odds: $13.00
Last Year: Quarter-Finals
This Year: The Eels have a useful little side – packed with experience, with enough flair to trouble some of the better sides. They’ll make the quarters and could push the Semis too.
Penrith Panthers
The squad: Brendan Attwood, Christian Crichton, Joshua Jay, Isaac John, Apisai Koroisau, Kieran Moss, Andy Aunders, Nathan Smith, Tupou Sopoaga, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Adrian Davis, George Jennings, Kevin Kingston, Sika Manu, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Chris Smith, Will Smith, Isaah Yeo.
The player to watch: Tupou Sopoaga is a great acquisition for the Panthers, moving from the Sharks after some eye-opening performances in 16 games last season. Sopoaga runs hard and works hard, meaning the pace of the NRL Nines won’t be too much for him to handle.
The odds: $15.00
Last Year: Quarter-Finals
This Year: The Panthers odds have gone a bit from early projections. The squad doesn’t install confidence, and in all honesty, includes the most names we had to research as we didn’t know who they were. Only Group Stages for the Sydney boys.
St George Illawarra Dragons
The squad: Euan Aitken, Mike Cooper, Shannon Crook, Josh Dugan, Tyson Frizell, Craig Garvey, Nathan Green, Yaw Kiti Glymin, Beau Henry, Dan Hunt, Benji Marshall (c), Peter Mata’utia, Will Matthews, Eto Nabuli, Jason Nightingale, Adam Quinlan, Joel Thompson, Shannon Wakeman.
The player to watch: Benji Marshall has trimmed the fat (literally) after a failed rugby stint and just about discovered some of his best form at the end of the NRL season. He’ll undoubtedly want to make a point at Eden Park – the home of his rugby career with the Blues.
The odds: $21.00
Last Year: Group Stage (1 win)
This Year: Will improve from last years effort. Quarter Finals for sure and then anything goes. Look for fine individual efforts from Dugan, Frizzle, Thompson and Marshall to win them games. Adam Quinlan might be scratched from this line-up as he has just agreed in principle to an Eels switch.
Sydney Roosters
The squad: Mitchell Aubusson, Brendan Elliot, Kane Evans, Jackson Hastings, Samisoni Langi, Nene Macdonald, James Maloney, Willie Manu, Sam Moa, Taane Milne, Dylan Napa, Mitchell Pearce (c), Lagi Setu, Nathan Stapleton, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (c), Mitchell Williams.
The player to watch: If there has ever been a player born to play NRL Nines it’s Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Graceful feet, impeccable balance and a brutal turn of speed are the attributes that make him such a dynamic threat in the open field carnival.
The odds: $12.00
Last Year: Group Stage (1 win)
This Year: Aside from the wonder kid, there will also be interest in Brendan Elliot a Holden Cup tournament team inclusion. Interest is also coming from the bookies, they have slashed the Roosters odds from $26.00 to $12.00.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
The squad: Joel Reddy, Bryson Goodwin, Dylan Walker, Matt King, Chris McQueen, Issac Luke (c), Adam Reynolds, George Burgess, Angus Crichton, Ben Lowe, Jason Clark, Tom Hughes, David Tyrrell, Aaron Gray, Kyle Turner, Cameron McInnes, Chris Grevsmuhl, Setefano Taukafa.
The player to watch: Dylan Walker made the NRL Nines team of the tournament, then he won a Grand Final and then he made the Australian team. It was a great year for him. 2015 could be equally as impressive with a win at the Nines and if the Rabbitohs are to have a chance he’ll be at the forefront of the action.
The odds: $15.00
Last Year: Quarter-Finals
This Year: The team has an interesting mix of experience and youth, and could compete better than they did last year, where they lost to the Warriors by one point in the Quarters. Back them to go even better this year.
Wests Tigers
The squad: Sitaleki Akauola, Nathan Brown, Jack Buchanan, Manaia Cherrington, Josh Drinkwater, Asipeli Fine, Salesi Funaki, Delouise Hoeter, Chris Lawrence (c), Lamar Liolevave, Kyle Lovett, Joel Luani, Kevin Naiqama, Pat Richards, Brenden Santi, Ava Seumanufagai, Tim Simona, Sauaso Sue.
The player to watch: Josh Drinkwater left the NRL having not achieved too much game time. Thus a stint in London Broncos is exactly what the doctor ordered. Drinkwater racked up 136 points in his 25 appearances and now with the Tigers is expected to push on from junior footy promise and get that game time.
The odds: $26.00
Last Year: Group Stage (1 win)
This Year: No surprises the Tigers are rank outsiders. The side looks weak on paper, which isn’t always the defining indicator, but it is influencing our decision to mark them as Groupies only.
