Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter cautious over Auckland Nines as injury toll mounts up

IF any coach can be forgiven for feeling apprehensive ahead of the Auckland Nines, it’s Wests Tigers mentor Mick Potter.

IF any coach can be forgiven for feeling a little apprehensive ahead of this weekend’s NRL Auckland Nines it’s Wests Tigers mentor Mick Potter.

After a horror run with injuries in 2013, Potter has already lost two key players for extended periods so far this season.

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Tim Moltzen fractured his kneecap at training in December, with a mid-year return the best case scenario, while Dene Halatau is out for at least four months after suffering an ankle injury in the Tigers’ 32-8 trial win over Penrith at Camden on Saturday.News_Rich_Media: Wests Tigers have lost Dene Halatau for four months after he snapped an ankle in last night's trial win against Penrith. Despite the blow, the rejuvenated Tigers scored twice in the first six minutes and won 32-8, against an understrength opposition.

Young winger David Nofoaluma has been the first casualty of the Nines when he was pulled out of the Tigers squad for the Eden Park event with a hamstring injury.

While the Tigers season started promisingly at Camden, Potter, the former St George fullback, whose contract with the Tigers is up at the season’s end, is wary the Nines may stall any momentum.

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When asked if he was hoping to build on the effort against the Panthers, Potter replied: “Unfortunately we have this thing called the Nines, so we are going to focus on that.

“I think it could be a good concept, a fantastic spectacle for the fans and a really good event, but it just interrupts the other part of the competition which is 13-a-side.

“I’m hopeful that the Nines is going to be very good and everyone enjoys it, it is just time consuming,” Potter said.News_Image_File: Dene Halatau is stretchered off after seriously injuring his ankle in a trial match against Penrith.

The Tigers play a second and final trial against Cronulla next weekend before their season opener on March 9 against the Dragons.

Last season the joint venture had Moltzen, Braith Anasta, Chris Lawrence, Keith Galloway, Lote Tuqiri and Blake Ayshford sidelined for extended periods - and Potter is hopeful his luck will change in 2014.

“You never can tell with injuries, it is one of those things you keep rowing through the weeks and you hope you minimise your injuries,” he said.

“We were a bit unfortunate last year but we will cop it on the chin whatever comes our way.”