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Naturally, the inaugural NRL Nines tournament will attract its share of detractors but that won’t bother any of the 256 players assembling in Auckland for the sell-out spectacular this weekend.
They are mainly going there for some fun and they’ll have lots of it, with the format featuring all 16 clubs in a nine-a-side, nine-minutes-a-half knockout tournament played over Saturday and Sunday.
Sure, there’s some great prize money on offer but clubs are mainly crossing the Tasman for pre-season camaraderie and some good, old-fashioned code promotion in a country that treats rugby union as a second religion.
I am heading over to play in the celebrity Nines touch event, which should provide a few laughs.
The main course, however, will be breathtaking with plenty of superstar category players, a host of up-and-comers promoted from the NYC as well as golden oldies such as Freddy Fittler, Beaver Menzies and Pat Richards showcasing their skills.
I’m sure there will be something in the Nines for everyone: loads of tries and the acrobatics that accompany them, exciting passing movements and some jarring, one-on-one defence.
The action will be frantic in each of those nine minute halves and heaven help any team which loses a player to the sin bin for five minutes (referees have been told they can use the bin if needed).
It will be fascinating to see the tactics the clubs employ.
There are plenty of outside backs heading to Eden Park but you will also see a number of big, mobile forwards who will make their presence felt. I am looking to see what the likes of Josh Jackson, Tohu Harris, Trent Merrin and Dave Taylor will do with so much extra space on the pitch.
There will be lots of ad-lib and innovative footy to thrill the crowd. We can pretty much expect the unexpected.
I’ll be watching to see what ‘specials’ the kickers produce in this Nines format. We might see a few AFL-style, cross-field punt-passes employed for the men out on the flank.
There are many aspects of this tournament that will boost rugby league’s profile in New Zealand and I am hoping it grows into a huge success that must be included on the league calendar each season.
It is pretty hard tipping the tournament winner with no form to speak of, and so many unknown factors such as final team compositions so early in the week.
I will leave the predictions to you, the Roarers.
The naysayers and narks can look elsewhere for their sporting entertainment over Saturday and Sunday.
This is going to be fun on fast-forward and I sincerely hope your team puts on a good show.
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