Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher blasts the Auckland Nines

PENRITH CEO Brian Fletcher wants the Auckland Nines axed, declaring: “We have $8 million worth of footballers we want to win the comp with, not a Nines.’’

WARNING FOR DAILY TELEGRAPH ONLY PLS SPEAK TO SPORT BEFORE USE. EMBARGOED UNTIL NOV 17th. New signing James Tamou after a Penrith Panthers training session at the Panthers Academy, Penrith. pic Mark Evans

ONE NRL club boss has called for the Auckland Nines to be dumped, declaring: “We have $8 million worth of footballers we want to win the comp with, not a Nines.’’

On the same day Penrith general manager Phil Gould continued his attack on the Nines via Twitter, Panthers boss Brian Fletcher was just as adamant the February event posed too much of a risk to the number of stars forced to participate.

As part of the NRL’s Nines’ criteria, a club must send one of their top-five paid players, as well as 12 of their top 25 players.

Penrith had six players involved in the Four Nations — Kangaroos winger Josh Mansour suffered an ACL injury while in England — which meant coach Anthony Griffin had an even smaller pool of players to choose from.

Several coaches have already declared they will place little emphasis on the Nines, including Wests Tigers Jason Taylor.

Anyone but NRL players suits me https://t.co/ar5AH2ZxJA

— Phil Gould (@Gus10Gould) January 30, 2017

The injury debate has always been a hot topic before the Nines — but never has a club boss gone on the front foot and urged for it to be flicked.

“You can’t afford to send these players, a lot of our blokes were involved in the Four Nations, some are returning from injury, so the more you look at it, do we need to be there? The answer is ‘no’,’’ Fletcher told The Daily Telegraph.

“I don’t think the selection criteria needs to be changed. I think you simply don’t need the Nines.

“How will it go next year when there’s a World Cup at the end of this year?

“We’d rather play some trials at home and then get on with the season.

“What benefit does the Nines have on our season?’’

Manly coach Trent Barrett slammed the Nines as “dangerous’’ last year after he lost a string of players, including Jamie Buhrer to a broken jaw, and Jake Trbojevic to concussion.

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In 2014, Lachlan Coote suffered a season-ending ACL injury, while Luke Keary missed half the season with a pectoral injury.

Being forced by the NRL to send some of their best talent does not go down well in clubland.

A five-year deal between the NRL, promoters Duco Events and major sponsor ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development) to stage the Nines at Eden Park ends next year.

To ease the pain of losing a top-liner, Fletcher proposed if a player suffered season-ending injury, a club should be allowed bring in a player for the same value that would be exempt from the salary cap.

Big-money recruit James Tamou and young gun Nathan Cleary headline the Panthers’ Nines squad.

Griffin was happy to give Cleary a crack at the Nines, despite the teenage halfback only entering his second season in the top flight.

Cleary is one of the few Panthers stars who will make the trip.

“He’s done a good job of getting himself ready, so I’ll let him have a run around over there,’’ Griffin said.

“He’s only 19, he’s still growing naturally, he hasn’t put on a heap of weight, but he’s better for the off-season, as they all are.’’

As for Cleary handling the second-year syndrome, Griffin said: “It all comes down to the type of person they are. Nathan has a level head, he’s a hard worker, and most times in life when you get into trouble, it’s when you take shortcuts, and he isn’t the type of kid to do that.’’

Josh Reynolds, Sam Kasiano and David Klemmer were the only three players of note in Canterbury’s Nines’ squad announced yesterday.

Gold Coast put in a bit more effort with Nines ambassador Jarryd Hayne and Ryan James included.

Sydney Roosters will announce their squad on Tuesday.