Cronulla have named a star-studded line-up for the NRL Nines but rubbished suggestions there’s added incentive to win the inaugural tournament because of the supplements scandal.

Interim coach Peter Sharp on Wednesday included captain Paul Gallen, five-eighth Todd Carney and back-rower Wade Graham in the Sharks’ squad for the two-day Auckland event.

Gallen dismissed suggestions the Sharks have extra motivation to win a big chunk of the $2.6 million prizemoney because of the $1 million NRL-imposed fine hanging over their heads, but Cronulla will nonetheless head into the February 15-16 tournament as one of the favourites.

Recruits Blake Ayshford, Daniel Holdsworth and Matt Prior will also play in the Nines.

Sharp said playmaker Carney would help spearhead the Sharks’ challenge at Eden Park.

“We are sending what we think is a very competitive squad,” Sharp said.

“We’ve got some speed, some experience, a bit of mobility in the forwards and Todd Carney steering the ship.

“So I think we can do well with this group under the unique format of the event.”

Cronulla last week responded to the NRL’s breach notice issued in regard to the club’s supplements program in 2011 and are understood to be preparing to appeal the findings.

Sharp is filling in for Shane Flanagan, who was handed a one-year ban by the NRL over the supplements scandal.

Flanagan is also understood to be appealing his sanction.