Carney, Thaiday, Bird: 50+ NRL greats lineup for the cause at Nines Premier League 2024

Cyclone Kirrily has ruled out the likes of Matt Bowen and Josh Dugan but over 50 NRL greats will still feature in the 2024 Nines Premier League as rugby league returns to the Gold Coast. Discover who will line up here.

Rugby league returns to the Gold Coast this weekend with a two-day action-packed festival.

Sixteen teams of star-studded talent, including over 50 former and current professional league players, will line-up for the Nines Premier League tournament on January 25 and 26 at Currumbin Eagles Rugby League Club.

A $40,000 incentive is up for grabs, but moneys isn’t all this competition will bring.

An array of children’s activities and community activations will be open over both days, providing a platform for participants to create, collaborate, network and build their own sporting teams.

The activities on offer will further provide an avenue to ‘give back’ to the community as a portion of proceeds go towards the Nines Premier League (9PL) charity partner, GIVIT.

Former North Queensland Cowboy Anthony Mitchell is leading the charge this year.

North Queensland Cowboys' new mid season signing Anthony Mitchell.

“We are ecstatic at how quickly this tournament has evolved in its second year,” he said.

“We’ve grown from 12 teams to 16 high quality teams with players with NRL experience registered.

“We are expecting over 2000 people through the gates to not only enjoy the exciting rugby league, but also all the festival component for the whole family.”

The 9PL festival presents arguably the most exciting hybrid format of rugby league: a unique nine-a-side version of the popular code designed to uniquely connect grassroot and professional levels.

This year’s tournament has reached further than ever.

Teams from across country and sea are flying into the Gold Coast, as former Australian and New Zealand internationals, State of Origin and Indigenous All-Stars, NRL and UK Super League players gear up for the event.

Sam Thaiday of the Broncos waves to fans as they appalaud him during the round 25 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Manly Sea Eagles at Suncorp Stadium on September 2, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Notable players expected to play include Willie Mason, Greg Bird, Corey Norman, Andrew Fifita, Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Josh McGuire, Jason Nightingale, George Burgess, Ben Hannant, Chris McQueen, Todd Carney, Josh Hoffman and Blake Austin.

Matty Bowen, Josh Dugan and Willie Tonga were originally attending, though Tropical Cyclone Kirrily has affected their plans.

Even the officiating ranks are talent-heavy, Victor Radley and Brandon Smith lining up as coaching staff.

To watch the action, head down to the Currumbin Eagles RLFC at 26 Galleon Way, Currumbin Waters QLD.

Originally published as Carney, Thaiday, Bird: 50+ NRL greats lineup for the cause at Nines Premier League 2024