NRL Nines teams: Stars, young guns galore as squads revealed
The teams are all in for the return of the NRL Nines with plenty of stars, former legends and up and comers. Check out every team from every club right here plus the full schedule and TV times!
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The long off-season is almost over and rugby league begins anew in 2020 with the return of the NRL Nines, once of Auckland but now of Perth.
All 16 NRL clubs will trek across the desert for two-days of high-octane action and fans will be salivating for a first look at some of the game’s biggest names.
With established stars, up and coming rookies and a few former legends thrown into the mix, it promises to be the perfect way to whet the appetite for the 2020 season.
Here’s every player from every squad as they’re announced ahead of the tournament’s launch on Friday.
Watch the 2020 NRL Nines tournament LIVE & On-Demand on KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
BRONCOS:
1 Jamayne Isaako 2 Tesi Niu 3 Herbie Farnworth 4 Izaia Perese 5 Xavier Coates 6 Anthony Milford 7 Brodie Croft 8 Tom Dearden 9 David Fifita 10 Alex Glenn 11 Payne Haas 12 Ethan Bullemor 13 Jake Turpin 14 Cory Paix 15 Thomas Flegler 16 Jesse Arthars 17 Ilikena Vudogo 18 Corey Parker
Anthony Milford, David Fifita and Payne Haas headline an impressive squad that is stacked with young talent.
Backline flyers Jamayne Isaako, Tesi Niu, Jesse Arthars and Herbie Farnworth will be keen to impress alongside boom winger and Round 1 hopeful Xavier Coates who could light up the tournament with his powerful 102kg frame.
Milford will be supported by playmakers Tom Dearden and Brodie Croft, the latter of whom will make his Broncos debut after his off-season departure from the Melbourne Storm.
Broncos 347-game legend Corey Parker comes out of retirement for a Nines cameo.
Read Peter Badel’s full story on the Broncos’ NRL Nines squad
BULLDOGS:
Nick Meaney, Jayden Okunbor, Kerrod Holland, Morgan Harper, Jack Cogger, Jake Averillo, Brandon Wakeham, Dean Britt, Ben Marschke, Ofahiki Ogden, Corey Harawira-Naera, Chris Smith, Joe Stimson, Andrew Ryan, Kayne Kalache, Toa Mata’afa, Isaiah Tass, Bailey Biondi-Odo
Canterbury have named a young squad, which will be captained by Kiwi backrower Corey Harawira-Naera. Nick Meaney and Morgan Harper will be two players to watch, while Jayden Okunbor could have some joy in the wide open spaces of Nines football.
COWBOYS:
Michael Bell, Jake Clifford, Scott Drinkwater, Mitch Dunn, Kyle Feldt, Jake Granville, Coen Hess, Peter Hola, Connelly Lemuelu, Esan Marsters, Josh McGuire, Tom Opacic, Reece Robson, Dan Russell, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Murray Taulagi, Jason Taumalolo, Shane Wright
Jason Taumalolo is the biggest name in a very solid North Queensland squad that also includes speed machine Scott Drinkwater, new recruit Esan Marsters and Nines specialist Kyle Feldt. Keep an eye out for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow - he’s only young, but the 18-year old could be something very special.
DRAGONS:
Euan Aitken, Adam Clune, Matt Dufty, Jackson Ford, Tyson Frizell, Tyrell Fuimaono, Ben Hunt, Josh Kerr, Tim Lafai, Blake Lawrie, Cameron McInnes, Jason Nightingale, Cody Ramsey, Mikaele Ravalawa, Jason Saab, Tristan Sailor, Jayden Sullivan, Brayden Wiliame
Origin stars Ben Hunt and Tyson Frizell headline a handy Dragons squad, which will be boosted by the inclusion of speed machines Matt Dufty and Tristan Sailor. Lanky winger Jason Saab and the skillful Tim Lafai will also be two to watch, while skipper Cam McInnes will make his return from a broken leg.
EELS:
Blake Ferguson, Brad Takairangi, Clint Gutherson, David Gower, George Jennings, Haze Dunster, Jaeman Salmon, Junior Paulo, Maika Sivo, Marata Niukore, Mitch Moses, Oregon Kaufusi, Ray Stone, Rhys Davies, Ryan Matterson, Shaun Lane, Stefano Utoikamanu, Will Smith.
High-profile recruit Ryan Matterson gets his first senior start in Eels colours for a strong Parramatta outfit led by Clint Gutherson.
Fijian flyer Maika Sivo should prove a handful alongside fellow giant winger Blake Ferguson.
All eyes will be on teen giant Stefano Utoikamanu , who has been talked up by none other than NSW State of Origin coach Brad Fittler.
Young flyer Haze Dunster is another to keep tabs on along with pre-season sensation Rhys Davies , who did what most thought impossible at Parramatta over the summer.
KNIGHTS:
1 Aidan Guerra 2 Kurt Mann 3 Nathaniel Sasagi 4 Bayden Searle 5 Hymel Hunt 6 Gehamat Shibasaki 7 Starford To’a 8 Tex Hoy 9 Sione Mata’utia 10 Tyronne Roberts-Davis 11 Matt Soper-Lawler 12 Pasami Saulo 13 Jirah Momoisea 14 Jacob Saifiti 15 Brodie Jones 16 Kurt Gidley 17 Mason Lino 18 Mitchell Barnett
Aidan Guerra and Kurt Mann lead a young squad that’s highlighted by the inclusion of exciting winger Star To’a and under-20s Origin representative Tex Hoy. Former Titan Tyronne Roberts-Davis, currently on a train and trial deal, may also be one to watch.
PANTHERS:
1 Dylan Edwards 2 Josh Mansour 3 Dean Whare 4 Brent Naden 5 Stephen Crichton 6 Jarome Luai 7 Nathan Cleary 8 Moses Leota 9 Apisai Koroisau 10 Jack Hetherington 11 Viliame Kikau 12 Billy Burns 13 Liam Martin 14 Kaide Ellis 15 Daine Laurie 16 Matt Burton 17 Caleb Aekins 18 Tyson Smoothy
Nathan Cleary, Viliame Kikau and new recruit Apisai Koroisau lead a strong-looking Penrith side which also boasts first-grade regulars Josh Mansour, Dylan Edwards and Dean Whare.
Promising playmakers Jarome Luai and Matt Burton, who are vying for the No.6 jumper vacated by James Maloney, will also feature.
Watch the 2020 NRL Nines tournament LIVE & On-Demand on KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
RABBITOHS:
1 Damien Cook 2 Dane Gagai 3 Cameron Murray 4 Jaydn Su’A 5 Junior Tatola 6 Ethan Lowe 7 Campbell Graham 8 Braidon Burns 9 Bryson Goodwin 10 Troy Dargan 11 Joshua Cook 12 Lachlan Ilias 13 Keaon Koloamatangi 14 Blake Taaffe 15 Jaxson Paulo 16 Edene Gebbie 17 Jack Johns 18 Patrick Mago.
Damien Cook will captain a very strong Rabbitohs side with Cameron Murray, Dane Gagai, Ethan Lowe and Campbell Graham all making the trip over to Perth. Papua New Guinea international Edene Gebbie is one to keep an eye on — the Kumul flyer could take the tournament by storm.
RAIDERS:
1 Harley Smith-Shield 2 Semi Valemei 3 Matthew Timoko 4 Michael Oldfield 5 Daine Spencer 6 Matthew Frawley 7 Sam Williams 8 Dunamis Lui 9 Siliva Havili 10 Sia Soliola 11 Jack Murchie 12 Elliott Whitehead (c) 13 Ryan Sutton 14 Tom Starling 15 Duwanye Mariner 16 Dan Keir 17 Kai O’Donnell 18 Darby Medlyn
Ricky Stuart has never had much time for the Nines and he’s keeping most of his stars at home. Elliott Whitehead should thrive in the open spaces, and Michael Oldfield could also do well, but otherwise the Raiders are going young. Outside back Harley Smith-Shield will be one to watch, as will Darby Medlyn and Duwanye Mariner.
ROOSTERS:
Max Bailey, McKenzie Baker, Egan Butcher, Lindsay Collins, Nick Davis, Poasa Faamausili, Tom Freebairn, Drew Hutchison ©, Matthew Ikuvalu, Asu ‘AJ’ Kepaoa, Lachlan Lam, Freddy Lussick, Luca Moretti, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Lupe Tivalu, Christian Tuipulotu, James Tuitahi, Sam Verrills
It’s a low key Nines side for the Chooks, who also have the World Club Challenge clash with St Helens to worry about. Grand final tryscorer Sam Verrills is the biggest name, but keep an eye out for Egan Butcher and Christian Tuipulotu - they’re two players the club is particularly excited about.
SEA EAGLES:
1 Luke Metcalf 2 Edwin Ipape 3 Zach Dockar-Clay 4 Brendan Elliot 5 Reuben Garrick 6 Lachlan Croker 7 Cade Cust 8 Tevita Funa 9 Toafofoa Sipley 10 Abbas Miski 11 Corey Waddell 12 Martin Taupau (C) 13 Haumole Olakau’atu 14 Sean Keppie 15 Taniela Paseka 16 Zac Saddler 17 Reed Izzard 18 Dane Aukafolau.
Martin Taupau leads a powerful-looking Sea Eagles outfit that should certainly pack plenty of punch as he’s joined by fellow props Toafofoa Sipley, Haumole Olakau’atu, Sean Keppie and Taniela Paseka.
PNG excitement machine Edwin Ipape will be one to watch, as will emerging outside back Tevita Funa.
SHARKS:
1 Wade Graham 2 Briton Nikora 3 Jack Williams 4 Aaron Woods 5 Blayke Brailey 6 Josh Morris 7 Jesse Ramien 8 Chad Townsend 9 Shaun Johnson 10 Ronaldo Mulitalo 11 William Kennedy 12 Sione Katoa 13 Connor Tracey 14 Billy Magoulias 15 Toby Rudolph 16 Scott Sorensen 17 Teig Wilton 18 Braydon Trindall
Cronulla will be among the favourites to take out the Nines, naming one of the strongest squads thus far. Shaun Johnson’s exploits in the abbreviated game are well known, while Jesse Ramien, Josh Morris, Wade Graham and Chad Townsend will all make the trip. Up and comers Sione Katoa, Will Kennedy, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Brayden Trindall round out a very handy list.
STORM:
1 Nicho Hynes, 2 Dean Ieremia, 3 Brenko Lee, 4 Marion Seve, 5 Sandor Earl (c), 6 Cameron Munster, 7 Cooper Johns, 8 Tui Kamikamica (c), 9 Harry Grant, 10 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11 Max King, 12 Chris Lewis, 13 Tom Eisenhuth, 14 Trent Loiero, 15 Justin Olam, 16 Darryn Schonig, 17 Siti Moceidreke, 18 Judda Turahui
Emerging playmaker Cooper Johns will partner Cameron Munster in the halves when Storm opens its NRL Nines campaign on Friday night in Perth.
Johns, the son of Knights legend Matthew Johns, was a standout in reserve grade last year and has backed it up in the pre-season to rival established Storm halfbacks Jahrome Hughes and Ryley Jacks.
Munster is the most experienced player on the 18-man squad, which includes outside backs Justin Olam, Marion Seve and Cameron Smith’s understudy Harry Grant.
New signing Brenko Lee will make his first appearance in Storm colours at Perth Oval.
TITANS:
1 AJ Brimson 2 Anthony Don 3 Tyrone Peachey 4 Jonus Pearson 5 Phil Sami 6 Tanah Boyd 7 Ash Taylor 8 Jai Whitbread 9 Mitch Rein 10 Sam Stone 11 Bryce Cartwright 12 Jaimin Joliffe 13 Jai Arrow 14 Greg Leleisiuao 15 Treymain Spry 16 Erin Clark 17 Darius Farmer 18 Michael Gordon
Million-dollar man Ash Taylor headlines a strong Titans squad as Gold Coast search for their first piece of silverware in their 13-year history.
Taylor, who missed much of last season dealing with mental health issues, is joined by Queensland Origin forward Jai Arrow and firecracker utility AJ Brimson.
Journeyman fullback Michael Gordon, who retired at the end of last season, will also pull the boots on one last time, while dynamic outside back Greg Leleisiuao is another one to watch.
WARRIORS:
Leeson Ah Mau, Rocco Berry, Jackson Frei, Blake Green, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Temple Kalepo, Adam Keighran, Edward Kosi, Sam Lisone, Ken Maumalo, Taane Milne, Agnatius Paasi, Isaiah Papali’i, Hayze Perham Leivaha Pulu, Slestino Ravutaumada, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Paul Turner
Isaiah Papali’i captains a side which also contains NRL stalwarts Blake Green, Leeson Ah Mau and Sam Lisone, alongside the exciting Chanel Harris-Tavita and Ken Maumalo. Agnatius Paasi is one to watch - the big unit made the team of the tournament in 2016.
WESTS TIGERS:
1. Corey Thompson 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Robert Jennings 4. Moses Mbye (c) 5. Michael Chee Kam 6. Billy Walters 7. Jock Madden 8. Thomas Mikaele 9. Tommy Talau 10. Joseph Ratuvakacereivalu 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Luke Garner 13. Chris McQueen 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Paul Momirovski 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Pat Richards 18. Matheson Johns
Michael Maguire has named a handful of regular first-graders, with Luciano Leilua and Michael Chee Kam the two most likely to star in the tournament. The Tigers were the last winners of the old World Sevens, having won the final iteration of that tournament back in 2004.
Watch the 2020 NRL Nines tournament LIVE & On-Demand on KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
2020 NRL NINES POOLS
Pool 1: Panthers, Warriors, Roosters, Knights
Pool 2: Bulldogs, Dragons, Eels, Sharks
Pool 3: Raiders, Wests Tigers, Titans, Rabbitohs
Pool 4: Cowboys, Storm, Broncos, Sea Eagles
2020 NRL NINES SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14
7.05pm: Warriors (W) v Roosters (W)
7.30pm: Panthers v Roosters
7.55pm: Warriors v Knights
8.20pm: Bulldogs v Eels
8.45pm: Dragons v Sharks
9.10pm: Raiders v Titans
9.35pm: Wests Tigers v Rabbitohs
10pm: Cowboys v Broncos
10.25pm: Storm v Sea Eagles
11.05pm: Broncos (W) v Dragons (W)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
1.20pm: Roosters (W) v Broncos (W)
1.45pm: Warriors (W) v Dragons (W)
2.10pm: Knights v Panthers
2.35pm: Roosters v Warriors
3pm: Sharks v Bulldogs
3.25pm: Eels v Dragons
3.55pm: Rabbitohs v Raiders
4.20pm: Titans v Wests Tigers
4.45pm: Sea Eagles v Cowboys
5.10pm: Broncos v Storm
5.40pm: Quarter Final 1 – 1st Pool A v 2nd Pool B
6.05pm: Quarter Final 2 -1st Pool B v 2nd Pool A
6.30pm: Quarter Final 3 -1st Pool C v 2nd Pool D
6.55pm: Quarter Final 4 -1st Pool D v 2nd Pool C
7.20pm: Broncos (W) v Warriors (W)
7.45pm: Dragons (W) v Roosters (W)
8.20pm: Semi Final 1 – Winner Quarter Final 1 v Winner Quarter Final 2
8.45pm: Semi Final 1 – Winner Quarter Final 2 v Winner Quarter Final 4
9.25pm: Women’s Final
10pm: Men’s Final
Watch the 2020 NRL Nines tournament LIVE & On-Demand on KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
Originally published as NRL Nines teams: Stars, young guns galore as squads revealed