YOUNG GUNS TO WATCH AT THE AUCKLAND NINES
* BRISBANE – JAYDN SU’A
A former schoolboy union star, big things are expected of the hard-working back-rower after making his debut last year. The youngest forward to ever start for the Broncos.
* CANBERRA – NICK COTRIC
A prodigiously talented centre in the same mould as Josh Dugan, he made last year’s under-20s team of the year.
* CANTERBURY – MARCELO MONTOYA
After a belter of a year in the lower grades in 2016 – including 19 tries in 18 under-20s games and six tries in seven NSW Cup games. Talked up as chance to play in the opening NRL round.
* CRONULLA – KURT CAPEWELL
The back-rower played 73 minutes in the Sharks’ courageous semi-final win over Canberra. Made four first grade appearances in 2016 but missed out on grand final selection.
* GOLD COAST – TYRONE ROBERTS-DAVIES
Not to be confused with Titans half Tyrone Roberts. The 19-year-old outside back and Australian Schoolboys representative is said to have a similar playing style to his cousin, Brisbane speedster James Roberts.
* MANLY – BRIAN KELLY
Massive opportunities stand before the former Titan. He’s a red-hot chance to come into Trent Barrett’s backline.
* MELBOURNE – CURTIS SCOTT
This heavily hyped Junior Kangaroo has been elevated to the Storm first grade squad. The Cronulla junior was chased by 12 clubs.
* NEWCASTLE – LUKE BATES
A hard-running prop who starred in NSW Cup last year. He was ear-marked to make first grade and should make the step up in 2017.
* NORTH QUEENSLAND – GIDEON GELA-MOSBY
Starred in last year’s Nines but could not crack first grade. He is potentially the fastest man in the game and holds the under-20s competition record for most tries (39) in a season.
* PARRAMATTA – Jamal Fogarty
The Australian Schoolboys representative starred for Burleigh in last year’s Queensland Cup. The playmaker was chased by several clubs and signed a two-year deal with Parramatta.
* PENRITH – TYRONE MAY
The Junior Kangaroo made the under-20s team of the year at five-eighth but is versatile enough to play most positions. Played in back-to-back under-20s grand finals.
* ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA – JAI FIELD
A shock contender for the Dragons halfback spot. He’s been told to add bulk over the pre-season but the 19-year-old speed demon will be suited to the nines.
* SOUTH SYDNEY – TYRELL FUIMAONO
The Rabbitohs snuck under Parramatta’s guard to snare his signature. Big enough to play second row and mobile enough to slot in at centre.
* SYDNEY ROOSTERS – JOHNNY TUIVASA-SHECK
Being the younger brother of Warriors skipper Roger, you know what to expect – blinding speed and sensational footwork. At 100kg and 180cm he’s already bigger than RTS and scored the winning try in last year’s under-20s grand final.
* WARRIORS – ATA HINGANO
Coach Stephen Kearney is on record as saying he will partner Shaun Johnson in the halves if Kieran Foran’s contract is not approved by the NRL.
* WESTS TIGERS – ESAN MARSTERS
The Junior Kiwis representative was chased by five clubs but stayed loyal to the Tigers. Was set to make his first grade debut last year until second-tier salary cap restrictions intervened.
