It’s that time of year again. All of the clubs have returned from their Christmas break and the players are putting their hands up for inclusion in the various trial teams or Auckland 9s squads. We all know that the trials provide the opportunity for coaches to run their eye over nearly every player. But for the fans, the televised event from across the ditch provides an ideal chance for us to see new recruits or up-and-comers don the jersey and stake their claim. Who can forget that stunning introduction Bevan French gifted to the league world in 2016!

With that in mind, TCT has put on our thinking caps about 2017. We’ve each listed 5 players that we’d like to see included in the squad. Feel free to tell us your five in the comments below.

Sixties

Dane Aukafolau – This NYC player has been training with the full time squad during the pre-season  – and holding his own! As possibly the tallest player in the squad, this rookie centre has a genuine physical presence – just ask the players he’s hit in the opposed sessions. Will BA signal his arrival with a run in the 9s?

Jack Morris – Another 2016 NYC player who has benefitted from inclusion in the full time squad. This young back rower has a great motor and is part of the next generation of Eels stars. Having built up his frame during this pre-season, he looks like a young Hindy. I think the 9s format would suit him

Marata Niukore – A strong, versatile recruit from the Warriors who would thoroughly enjoy debuting for the Eels in his former home town. Gifted with pace and power, this bloke could play at either centre or back row, and is therefore the ideal inclusion. He’s been ticking all of the boxes at training and looking for an early opportunity.

Cam King – There’s been a bit of media speculation around King’s potential elevation to the NRL squad. After playing in this event last year, the talented rake spent a chunk of 2016 filling in at half for Wenty. Not many Eels supporters have had the chance to see him ply his trade. His selection would change that.

Kelepi Tanginoa – I’ll admit to being a big supporter of this local junior. Kelepi was slaying it for Wenty early last year and his long term injury virtually ended his chance to stake his NRL claims in 2016. A human wrecking ball when he cranks it up, players know it when he puts on a hit. At 22 years of age, his future still lies ahead of him.

Miatch

Bevan French – have I wasted a selection here? Is French’s appearance at the tournament in which he made his name fate accompli? Nevertheless, Bevan’s speed to burn alone make him a salivating sophomore prospect for the 2017 Nines. Add that to his natural, freakish football instincts and extraordinary hands, and the Frenchmen has got to be a good value early tip for player of the tournament.

Cam King – I just want to see more of this bloke; a potential sneak peak at our future starting first grade hooker. Has had plenty of wraps on him as he made his way to grade, and I think it might be time for him to cash in that talent cheque. Wide open field and an improving defensive technique make him a terrific contender for a Nines jersey.

Jamal Fogarty – Surely every Eels fan would love to see the new young bloke in a Nines jersey. No, he will not be starting Round 1, but the coaching staff are already pleasantly surprised with the return on this investment. Hopefully the future starts on the 4th of February.

Nathan Brown – I bet you’d be surprised just how quick he is for a prop. I’m not really a fan of forwards at the Nines (see Bulldogs, Canterbury), but with an offload like he has, and brutalising defence, Browny could be our secret weapon.

Dane Aukafolau – I hate to repeat a second player from Sixties’ list but this kid is deadset going places. Currently the title holder for the “who the heck is that tall guy?” award at training, Auka will soon enough be a name every Eels fans will know. Big, fast, tall and strong – put him down as my tip for the bloke most likely to stamp a Bevan French-esque arrival at this year’s tournament.

Special mention to Kirisome Auva’a, who is built like a forward with the speed of a back. Also, is Jeff Robson old enough yet to qualify as a returning player?

Colmac

Bevan French – To the uninformed this was peoples first look at Bevan. But the hardcore Eels fans knew what Bevan was capable of. Setting this tournament alight with his blistering speed he became a tournament favourite. No doubt will be first picked.

Semi Radradra – If allowed to play (depending on court hearing) Semi decimates the opposition in this style of rugby league. Semi just steam rolls his way over his opponent without losing his speed and is well feared by the opposition.

Nathan Brown – Has good speed and footwork for a big man. His ability to draw in several defenders and his offloading capabilities should see our speedsters hanging around him.

Cameron King – ‘Kingy’ would be well suited to this game. Played well in last year’s tournament and will no doubt produce the same qualities as last year. A speedy hooker who will back up players like Brown, Ma’u, Moeroa, Cameron will be hanging around the off loaders like a seagull waiting for a chip.

Corey Norman – 2016 Player of the Tournament and many believe Corey will step up after his end of season NRL sanctioned vacation. Great hands and his long kicking game is the best in the comp. Corey will well and truly be chomping at the bit to show his appreciation to BA and the rest of the team for their belief in him.

Forty20

Clinton Gutherson – Gutherson enjoyed a breakthrough season for the Eels in 2016 where he featured at wing, centre and fullback before stepping up for the besieged Eels in the halves where he emerged as an unlikely star. With a full pre-season to hone his play-making skills alongside Corey Norman, it is completely fair to suggest that I am a wee bit excited to see how far Gutherson has elevated his game. Norman has used the Auckland 9s as a springboard to push himself to a higher level of play in the last two years so it would only be fitting for his partner in crime to look to do the same now.

George Jennings – While the Parramatta back line picks itself at full-strength both injuries and drama have proven to be no friends to Parramatta outside backs in recent times so quality depth is a premium thing to have. George Jennings himself is no stranger to injury but his talent in undeniable and the Eels under Brad Arthur have made a fair fist of rugby league reclamation projects in recent times.

Suaia Matagi – A hard-nosed runner with deft ball skills, Matagi seems like a natural fit for the limited format in Auckland. The Eels have one of the fittest and most industrious packs in the NRL but arguably lack something of a punch up the middle since losing Junior Paulo. Matagi, alongside fellow new recruits Nathan Brown and Siosaia Vave, is one of the players that can make a difference in that regard so a big showing in the Nines would be welcome.

Tepai Moeroa – After a bit of an inconsistent start to his campaign, Moeroa finished 2016 in seriously impressive form and now has a terrific platform to build on. It is all too easy to forget that Moeroa will only be turning 22 in this coming October and even at that fledgling age he has already amassed 50 caps to his name. 2017 looms as a huge year for our young tearaway as he now looks to take the next step and become a dominant force on the edges for the Eels.

Jack Morris – It would be remiss of me not to name Jack Morris here – even if Sixties stole my thunder (and for Dane Aukafolau as well, the monster)! A standout in his Holden Cup tenure for his cerebral and tireless play-style on the left-edge, Morris is a personal favourite of mine. The Eels are limited in how many non Top-25 players that can nominate for the Nines but Morris would be a terrific inclusion.

Clint

Brad Takairangi – Big enough to be a prop forward, skilful enough to be a half, Takaz has the complete package when it comes to the reduced format of the game. His big wing-span means he can easily create second phase play and his big body makes him incredibly difficult to tackle one-on-one. Brad is the type of player that if you want to dominate the 9s, you throw into your squad without hesitation. He can ball-play, distribute and put his outside men away with ease.

David Gower – A workhorse with a subtle passing game and a sneaky offload, Gower has been a mainstay in the Eels 9s squad since its inception. The tournament is conducive to two types of players: Those with blinding speed who can finish off movements and big, fit men who can use the ball. Gower is a prime example of the later and I don’t see any reason why he won’t be on the plane to Auckland once again. He makes my side every day of the week and twice on Sunday!

Cameron King – Crafty with a strong kicking game from dummy-half, King has all the makings of a good number 9. An injury-riddled career has held him back some so far, but he was asked to do one thing in his first year at Parramatta, to stay on the park, and stay on the park he did. Salary cap issues prevented him from appearing in the top grade, but that didn’t stop this man from plying his trade across both the halves and hooker position in 2016. His versatility is exactly what you need in the shortened format, as is his timely and accurate passing game from dummy-half, where every half second makes the difference!

Kelepi Tanginoa – After progressing through the systems at Parramatta and bursting onto the scene, a serious injury kept Kelepi out of NRL action last year. Prior to that however, he was absolutely destroying the Intrust Super Cup with his damaging runs on the edges. His strong leg drive make him a natural metre eater, as does his ability to poke his body through the line and pop a sneaky offload. Kelepi is a potential game breaker in the 9s, who with a bit of extra space, can be that handful that no opposition player wants to tackle.

Jamal Fogarty – Although some question marks have been raised about his defence, Jamal is a livewire who has trained incredibly strongly throughout the pre-season. I have no doubt that Arthur will reward his efforts with a 9s appearance and if given an opportunity will catch any flat-footed defenders off-guard with his quick turn of pace. Incredibly fit and leader in all of the endurance work, do not be surprised to see a Fogarty show-and-go become a four-pointer or two across the Tasman.

DK Eel

Bevan French – Yeah, it’s starting with an obvious one I know. We all saw how Bevan exploded into the Rugby League consciousness at last years nines. Forty20 was a huge booster of this guy, often talking about a hashtag for the Nine of #UnbenchTheFrench.  Well, Bevan was unbenched and UNLEASHED during the Nines. I for one am salivating at the chance to see this guy in the open spaces again. Can he set up a new try scoring record for an individual over the Nines? Anything is possible!

Kirisome Auva’a – here’s my bolter tip.   100kg of backline wrecking ball. He possesses speed, strength and a massive fend. Yes, he’s had some off field dramas, but at 100kgs, this bloke has the size to intimidate. Looking for a selection out of the blue, I think this bloke could find himself at the Nines, giving B.A and the club a reason for showing some faith that he’s a changed man.

Semi Radradra – Apart from Bevan, this blokes selection would almost be a given when considering his past form at the Auckland Nines.  His impact in the nine aside format can’t be denied.  Provided Semi’s given the all clear from the NRL to play, I feel this bloke’s selection is a “lay down misere” . Any team would have to be fearing a Parramatta Eels that has Semi selected in the squad for the Auckland Nines.

Corey Norman – We all saw just how dominant Corey was in the Auckland Nines last year. The confidence and form from the Nines flowed through to the regular season. Selected once more, and, I dare say, as “captain” of the Nines squad, this guy is ready to live up to the wraps that Darren Lockyer had on him when Corey was coming through the lower grades at the Broncos. At times he seems like he has spiders on him the way he can slip through a defensive line, look out for him to be in contention for “player of the series” once again.

My last selection was a difficult one. So many talented players to consider, some real game breakers all over them, from players like Kaysa , Manu, Tep, Taka either Jennings brother, but for my final selection I found myself in total agreement with Clint-

Kelepi Tanginoa – We all know what this bloke is capable of doing and being on the footy field. I think that Kelepi is the type of forward “made” for a format like the Nines. Robust, incredibly strong and no doubt champing at the bit to be back in the thick of action, I can only concur with Clint in his overall assessment of this guy.  The Nines can be the perfect format for Kelepi to make a strong statement for regular first grade selection, I for one, hope he takes a hold of this chance with both hands and reminds us all of what he can be.

Nathan

Kaysa Pritchard – By all accounts Kaysa Pritchard is training the house down this off season hoping to impress in order to become a regular fixture in the Eels week in week out team. Pritchard is a livewire, makes great one on one tackles, has plenty of enthusiasm and provides spark around the dummy half area, all things that could come in handy at the Auckland nines. Not to mention a good nines campaign this season may see Pritchard get the jump on the likes of Cameron King and Issac De Gois for the starting hooking position this season.

Jamal Fogarty – A bit of a utility back Fogarty is new to the Eels this season Jamal Fogarty will be looking to impress and the Auckland nines maybe the platform for that. Fogarty was one of the Burleigh Bears (QLD Cup) best players last season and proved himself a very impressive young talent. No doubt his utility value may come in handy in the nines format. Having not played NRL prior to this year the nines would give Fogarty a small taste of NRL quality football.

Marata Niukore – Another young man new to the Eels this season Marata Niukore a Junior Kiwi representative departed the Warriors last season in order to potentially play NRL. Niukore is a big young man weighing in over 100Kgs and standing about 188cm tall not to mention he also possesses a fair bit of speed, which is always a nice thing to have in the Auckland nines. Much like Pritchard by all accounts Niukore has been very impressive in off season training, Eels coaching staff may decide to reward Niukore with an Auckland nines jersey, having utility value would also help Niukore case for being selected.

Bevan French – The top try scorer in last years Auckland nines tournament Bevan French quickly became one of the games most talked about rookies. 2016 was a massive year for Bevan French and he will be looking to add to that by having a spectacular 2017 season. As for the Auckland nines I believe if French is injury free he may be the first player selected by coach Brad Arthur, French maybe the fastest player in the game, not to mention he has playmaking ability. Eels fans should be anticipating French’s return to the Auckland nines this season.

Corey Norman – Last but not least for have Corey Norman. Corey Norman maybe the biggest name on this list and the most anticipated selection by Eels fans for this years Auckland nines. Norman was simply outstanding in last year’s nines tournament and as a result he claimed player of the tournament. Norman has all the attributes to succeed at this format and he has proved that in the past, baring injury he should be one of the first selected by coach Brad Arthur of the Eels intend to win this years Auckland nines.

Chris

Dane Aukafalou – like the other boys, I have been taken by this guy’s efforts in the pre-season. Watching a lot of 20’s last year, he always looked like he had potential, but didn’t really take the bull by the horns. He has done that with the bigger boys this summer. I think we are going to have a lot of fun watching him and with players like Michael Jennings and Taka, he would be learning the fine craft of centre play from some of the best.

Kaysa Pritchard – while there seems to be a groundswell of support from Eels fans for Cameron King, I would like to see how far Kaysa can develop. While there are some question marks on his creative talent, he is very quick, tough and strong. He has trained well this off season, signed a contract extension and if his body holds up, I think he can provide an x factor out of dummy half. The 9’s should suit him perfectly.

Nathan Brown – shorter than I expected, but more mobile. Toughness not in question. Expect Nathan to be the new pre-Parra Anthony Watmough. He will be a back rower or lock for the Eels in 2017 and the 9’s is the perfect opportunity to show off his skills. I think he will be our signing of the year. He will have a big impact on our style of play.

Kenny Edwards – another guy who should have an opportunity to show off he is more than a salt deficient bench player. I recall a pass Kenny produced in the 9’s before he did his knee, a cut out under pressure to the winger. I had to rewind the action to see who it was – brilliant and at that time, unexcpected. The 9’s will allow Kenny to remind us of his footwork, ball skills and footy brain as he sets up his outside men.

Bevan French – can’t go past him, for excitement factor alone.

If you liked this article, you might consider supporting The Cumberland Throw.