Storm ‘Big Three’ Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Cameron Smith to miss NRL Nines

CAMERON Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater will not be taking part in the inaugural Auckland Nines this weekend.

The Storm’s big three of Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk will all be missing from this weekend’s Auckland Nines.

THERE is no “big three” but Melbourne Storm insists it is out to win this weekend’s inaugural NRL Auckland Nines tournament.

As expected, skipper Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk will all miss the trip across the Tasman.

Forward Ryan Hoffman will captain the side in a squad that includes premiership stars Will Chambers, Sisa Waqa, Justin O’Neill and Kevin Proctor.

With $2.25 million in prize money up for grabs, Storm football manager Frank Ponissi said his players will treat the two-day tournament seriously.

FULL NRL NINES DRAW

“You’re playing at an iconic venue like Eden Park in front of two full houses, and players love playing in front of big crowds,” he said.

“Whether it is a grand final or a trial match, you’re still representing the Storm.

“Certainly we will be taking every game at 100 per cent.”

“And as the week goes on the excitement will generate.”

News_Rich_Media: With the countdown to the 2014 NRL season well underway, several clubs loom as contenders for the title.

Winger Matt Duffie – who played in Saturday’s trial game loss to Canberra - will get an opportunity to get some game time under his belt before Round 1.

He is one of a number of fleet-footed backs that has been selected, including Young Tonumaipea, Cameron Munster and Kurt Mann

But the squad has also a number of big heavy-hitters, such as Mitch Garbutt and Tohu Harris.

Nine-a-side is a new concept in the NRL and Ponissi said striking the right team balance is a challenge.

“We have some forward in there and we obviously some speed out wide and some ball players in the middle,” he said.

“We’re very much in the dark, but we’ve always said after the first trial we will dedicate the time to the Nines and work towards getting ready for the weekend.”

News_Image_File: 2012 NRL Grand Final - Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk celebrate victory.

Five of Storm’s New Zealand-born players have been selected with Slade Griffin and Jesse Bromwich (17th man), Proctor, Duffie and Harris all making the trip

Victorian products Mahe Fonua, Richie Kennar and Tonumaipea were also picked.

As well as Smith, Slater and Cronk, regulars such as Ryan Hinchcliffe and Bryan Norrie will not be on the plane.

Ponissi said it was about keeping them fresh for next month’s season opener against Manly.

“It’s potentially quite a demanding weekend depending how you go,” he said.

“Three games are going to be tough anyway, but if you make the finals and go all the way it is a tough weekend.”

SQUAD: William Chambers, Sisa Waqa, Joel Romelo, Mahe Fonua, Matt Duffie, Young Tonumaipea, Mitch Garbutt, Justin O’Neill, Tohu Harris, Matthew Lodge, Kevin Proctor, Ryan Hoffman (c), Slade Griffin, Kurt Mann, Cameron Munster, Richie Kennar, Jesse Bromwich (17th man)

SCHEDULE: Saturday - Storm v Panthers, Storm v Rabbitohs. Sunday - Storm v Dragons.