Bevan French, Kayln Ponga, Matt Dufty headline players to watch at Auckland Nines

FROM surprising comebacks to rookie wonders, the Auckland Nines always throws up great stories. Here are the 10 top most exciting players to watch.

FROM surprising comebacks to rookie wonders, the Auckland Nines always throws up great stories.

Here are the 10 top most exciting players to watch out for this weekend.

RUBEN WIKI (Warriors)

The undisputed ‘Kava King’ may be 44 and nine years into retirement but talk to those around the game and he still has his fear factor.

Throw in the fact he remains fit as a fiddle and the former premiership-winning prop will be an invaluable asset for the hometown Warriors.

BEVAN FRENCH (Eels)

Last year’s leading tryscorer at the Nines is ready to tear up Eden Park again.

Expect this electrifying Eel to terrorise opponents with his fleet-footed skill and sheer speed.

Word out of Parramatta camp is that French is even fitter this season, which should strike fear into his opponents.

Bevan French was the leading tryscorer at the 2016 Nines. Picture: Mark Evans

ANTHONY MILFORD (Broncos)

The ‘Milf’, how good is this bloke.

The Broncos star not only sports the NRL’s best nickname, but it’s his freakish ability to step off a dime that we all love.

Milford and the Nines is like a marriage made in heaven.

KALYN PONGA (Cowboys)

There’s a reason Newcastle want to throw the bank at this bloke.

Blessed with natural speed and strength, the Cowboys flyer is built to thrive in the fast-paced world of Nines football.

Kalyn Ponga is built to thrive in Nines football. Picture: Darren England

LATRELL MITCHELL (Roosters)

If last year was any indication, this rising Rooster will carve up the Auckland Nines.

The Taree-born back scored 14 tries in 24 matches in his rookie year for the Roosters last season.

Now wiser following a full off-season, watch for Mitchell to make his unique mark on this year’s Nines tournament.

MATT DUFTY (Dragons)

He may not be the biggest bloke but Dufty has football intuition in spades.

The Penshurst junior scored a record 55 tries in 65 Holden Cup matches and now he is ready to star on the NRL stage.

Matt Dufty is ready to star for the Dragons. Picture: Brett Costello

KEVIN NAIQAMA (Tigers)

Thanks to a raw diet of avocados and spinach, Naiqama is in the best shape of his career.

Naiqama will look to use his new chiselled frame at Nines to help steer the Tigers towards glory.

WAQA BLAKE (Panthers)

If Penrith find open space this weekend, expect this man to feature prominently.

Waqa is almost unstoppable when he has the defence in two minds, so watch for the Panthers to capitalise on his proven attacking ability this weekend.

Waqa Blake could feature prominently for the Panthers. Picture: Mark Evans

SEMI RADRADRA (Eels)

Semi may be leaving to play French rugby at Toulon alongside Ben Barba next season, but for now he is ours.

This is a great thing for the Nines, because Radradra is built to excel in the shortened version of the game. Big, quick and skilful, the Parramatta winger will be incredibly difficult to contain.

SOLOMONE KATA (Warriors)

One of the NRL’s most damaging players at his best, this Warriors pocket rocket is certainly one to watch out for.

Since debuting with the Warriors in 2015, Kata has scored 27 tries in just 45 matches.

Originally published as Bevan French, Kayln Ponga, Matt Dufty headline players to watch at Auckland Nines