Players to Watch | 2017 NRL Auckland Nines

Kicking off the 2017 rugby league season for the fourth straight year, the Auckland Nines marks a weekend of enterprising attack and skill rarely seen in the 13-aside format. In the past, the two-day tournament has launched the careers of unknowns including Bevan French, Solomone Kata and Agnatius Paasi, while also offering the heroes of yesteryear one last hurrah, epitomised by Brad Fittler's intercept-try in the inaugural tournament.

Going through a team-by-team rundown, keep an eye on these players to make an impact this weekend.

RELATED: Check out the eighteen squads for this weekend

Waiheke Pool

Cronulla Sharks

While the Sharks surprised many by failing to make the cut at the Nines last season, they more than made up for it in October by claiming the premiership. Fielding seven members of the side that triumphed over Melbourne in the grand final, the Sharks have opted to rest several of their big names but that hasn't stopped them from assembling a squad capable of causing headaches. 

After bursting onto the rugby league scene with an eye-catching performance at the Nines two years ago, look for Jack Bird to make a play for the vacant fullback position following Ben Barba's suspension. With Valentine Holmes omitted from the 18-man squad, Bird will have the perfect opportunity to press his case for the #1 jersey. 

With rumors linking James Segeyaro with a potential move to Cronulla, former Tiger Manaia Cherrington will be out to show coach Shane Flanagan he's up to the task of filling the void left by Michael Ennis. Possessing a quick turn of pace, the former Junior Kiwi faces a tough road to become the Sharks new hooker, but with Fa'amanu Brown, Daniel Mortimer and rookie Jayden Brailey watching on from the sidelines, the Nines shape as a pivotal weekend for the young #9. 

Gold Coast Titans

Surprising many with an unlikely finals appearance in 2016, the Titans will be hoping to continue their improvement with a strong showing in Auckland. Making it all the way to the final four at last years tournament, the Titans will have an attacking weapon to unleash on opposition defences in Jarryd Hayne, while several older faces will be looking for a second chance over the weekend.

Originally set to be the Titans first-choice halfback last year, Kane Elgey will be looking to make it through the weekend unscathed in his return from a serious knee injury. Having been forced to watch fellow youngster Ashley Taylor surpass him as the Gold Coast's star playmaker, the 23-year-old Queenslander remains highly-rated by those in the know, with his passing game considered among the best in the league. 

Having seen his first grade career fall by the wayside in Newcastle, prop Paterika Vaivai will have no shortage of motivation as he takes his second chance with the Titans. Returning to the NRL after starring in Burleigh's Queensland Cup premiership, the 24-year-old enforcer will be hoping to follow the examples set by Agnatius Paasi and Leivaha Pulu, who secured NRL berths following starring displays in Auckland.

Penrith Panthers

Rated as one of the dark horses for the premiership in 2017, the Panthers have opted to field a side filled predominantly with unknowns. Led by Isaah Yeo in his first appointment as captain, the headlining act for the mountain men will be the club debut of representative prop James Tamou.

Making a sole appearance in first grade midway through 2016, former Under 20s captain Dylan Edwards will be eager to add to his NRL tally with a strong performance on the wing. With Josh Mansour out for an extended period following a knee injury sustained in England, the 21-year-old utility back should come into calculations to fill in the vacant left wing position, while his versatility at fullback will have supporters taking notice.

Experiencing a breakout year after linking up with the Panthers in 2016, Sitaleki Akauola will be eager to prove his consistency as an NRL forward. Shifting into the front row after previously stints on the edge and even as a winger, the 24-year-old New Zealander endeared himself to coach Anthony Griffin with his bruising defence leaving opponents sore for days. As one of the leaders of Penrith's Nines squad, expect Akauola to show zero self-preservation with his blockbusting runs set to inspire his young charges.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

While they may have qualified for their fifth consecutive finals series under Des Hasler, the Bulldogs will be looking to shake things up after a disappointing finish to 2016. Handsomely beaten by Penrith in the first week of the play-offs, the forward-dominated attack that has become synonymous with Canterbury appears to have fallen out of vogue amongst supporters and experts. With a chance to throw caution to the wind over the weekend, look for the old dogs to show off some new tricks.

Amongst the best impact players in the league, Sam Kasiano should relish the opportunity to take on reduced defenses in Auckland. Reportedly slimming down in an effort to increase his game time during the off-season, the New Zealand and Samoan representative prop should provide spectators with a number of memorable moments to savour.

You may not know his name, but from all reports the next big thing to come out of Canterbury is Marcelo Montoya. Garnering praise from teammates and league experts alike, the 20-year-old winger produced a sensational season in the NYC, crossing for 19 tries in 18 matches to put himself in contention for a first grade debut. Getting his first taste of the big time at the Nines, look for Montoya to provide some much needed spark to the Bulldogs attack.

Pool Prediction

With the Panthers showing their disinterest in the Nines concept and the Bulldogs opting to rest their big names, look for the Sharks and Titans to progress through to the final eight. Sharks and Titans to progress.

RELATED: Check out the full schedule for this weekend's tournament

Piha Pool

St. George Illawarra Dragons

Much maligned for the attacking deficiencies throughout 2016, the Dragons will be out to change perceptions of the joint venture with renewed enterprise during the weekend. Having struggled in the Nines format over the past three years, a mix of established first-graders and rising stars should bring about improvement, while helping coach Paul McGregor resolve his halfback dilemma.

Originally signed to play reserve grade in Townsville in 2017, playmaker Shaun Nona will be hoping to make the most of Drew Hutchison's misfortune with a strong showing over the weekend. Having partnered Hutchison in the Illawarra Cutters halves last season, the 26-year-old was gifted a lifeline by the Dragons just before Christmas after an impressive showing in the landslide State Championship win over Burleigh. Locked in a four-way tie with Josh McCrone, Kurt Mann and fellow rookie Jai Field, look for Nona to step up and impress in Auckland.

It's hard to imagine anyone usurping Josh Dugan's hold on the Dragons fullback position, but according to expert judges Matt Dufty is that player. Crossing for 55 tries in 65 Holden Cup matches, the 21-year-old speedster has proven his worth as a try-scorer and looms as a dark horse to replicate the feats of Bevan French a year ago.

Parramatta Eels

Winning the Nines titles last season only to have it stripped as part of their salary cap breaches, the Eels will be out for legitimate success across the ditch. Naming the two most exciting backs in the game in Bevan French and Semi Radradra, the Eels will have no shortage of attacking weapons as Brad Arthur looks to gauge where his new side sits heading into a new chapter.

If you were to ask anyone outside Parramatta who Bevan French was at the start of last season, you would have heard crickets. But after a star-making turn in Auckland the flyer from Tingha was the name on everyone's lips. Set to star at fullback in 2017, the 21-year-old can expect to be a marked man after a breakout year, but with speed like few others look for French to deliver once again.

Few players have endured as unlucky runs with injury than Cameron King. Having spent time at the Dragons and Cowboys without securing a regular first grade position, the 25-year-old has been touted as a possible starting hooker for the Eels after impressing in the pre-season. Given a chance to push his case without the influence of rivals Isaac De Gois and Kaysa Pritchard, look for King to impress.

Warriors

Tailor-made for Nines success, the Warriors will once again start as front-runners for the titles. Having squandered their potential in first grade for the past five seasons, New Zealanders will be optimistic about the sides chances in 2017, but despite the appointment of Stephen Kearney expect regular transmission to resume: plenty of promise with little to show for it.

Still eligible for Under 20s in 2017, Ata Hingano looms as a dark horse to start the season in the halves. With Kieran Foran unlikely to be granted clearance by the NRL for Round 1 and Tuimoala Lolohea unable to cement a regular position, the 19-year-old playmaker is certainly one to keep an eye on over the weekend. A graduate of the Warriors prolific Holden Cup program, Hingano shapes as the breakout star of the tournament.

He may be only 20 years old and with four first grade games to his name, but in a short time Bunty Afoa has shown himself to be a forward on the rise. Possessing flowing locks reminiscent of Penrith's ‘Hair Bear' duo, the Samoan international made his presence felt after debuting late in 2016 and will be looking to use the Nines for further success. With New Zealand legend Ruben Wiki named to captain the Warriors over the weekend, look for the old and new guards to deliver on the field.

Manly Sea Eagles

Coming off a year of great change, the Nines should give Manly an early opportunity to gauge how far they've come under coach Trent Barrett. Fielding a side of tradesmen rather than stars, the Sea Eagles likely lack the attacking flair to progress out of their pool, but with plenty of places still up for grabs in the Round 1 side, look for some lesser knowns to step up.

Suffering a horror two years with injuries that have restricted him to just 10 appearances in first grade, the Nines should offer prop Brenton Lawrence with the perfect opportunity to prove himself against the Sea Eagles rising crop. Afforded the honour of captaining the Nines squad, the 32-year-old has been a cornerstone of the Brookvale engine room in recent years, but with the likes of Jake Trbojevic garnering praise in his absence, Lawrence will be out to impress in his comeback.

After bursting onto the scene with a host of tries early in his career, Jorge Taufua has struggled to recapture the form that saw him rated as a possible NSW representative. With additional pressure from new recruits Akuila Uate and Jono Wright to contend with, the Nines should offer the Tongan international with a platform to solidify his reputation as a try-scorer and ensure his place on the left flank come Round 1.

Pool Prediction

With the Warriors and Eels contesting the Nines final a year ago, it's hard to see the Dragons or Sea Eagles having the attack to make it out of the pool stage. Warriors and Eels to progress.

Rangitoto Pool

Newcastle Knights

A new year, a new-look Newcastle outfit. Having endured one of the worst seasons in rugby league history, the Knights will be out to turn around the disappointment of 2016 with a strong start at the Nines. Qualifying for the playoffs in Auckland in each of the three previous tournaments, the youthful squad assembled by coach Nathan Brown may surprise many over the weekend.

With Jarrod Mullen facing a possible career-ending drugs ban, the quest to fill the vacant #6 jersey is set to be fought out by a host of young guns. Rated as one of the front-runners heading into the new season, 20-year-old Brock Lamb will relish the chance to play a leading role in Auckland following a successful return from injury. Touted as a long-term prospect by the Knights hierarchy, Lamb will have the perfect chance to press his claims for a starting berth with a big display on the field.

Having been relegated to reserve grade for much of last season, the Nines are set to offer Jack Stockwell a chance to reinvigorate his NRL career. Signed by Rick Stone midway through 2014, the former Dragons prop has struggled during his time in the Hunter through injury and poor form, but in a sign of renewed faith by Nathan Brown the 24-year-old should relish the shortened format. Off-contract at the end of the year, look for an improved performance from Stockwell to typify the overall development of the entire Knights squad in 2017.

Wests Tigers

For a side known for scintillating attacking football, it comes as a surprise to see how poorly the Tigers have fared in Nines. Finishing bottom of their pool twice, the joint venture will be out to make amends over the weekend. Having fallen agonisingly close to a finals finish in the NRL last year, coach Jason Taylor will have an eye out for new blood to help the side make the leap from pretenders to contenders.

Signed from Manly last season, utility Michael Chee Kam was never quite able to make a mark in the top grade. Usually utilised as the 18th man, the versatile forward will be hoping to make an impression and secure a place in the NRL side for Round 1. In contention to fill a similar role as new recruit Jamal Idris, the 24-year-old may prove to be the breakout star of the tournament.

Playing at his fourth club in as many years, Matt McIlwrick will be hoping to capitalise on the departure of Robbie Farah and make the #9 position his own. Spending time as an understudy to the likes of Jake Friend and Michael Ennis, the 25-year-old New Zealander has provided good service when called upon over the years, but after languishing in reserve grade for most of his career look for McIlwrick to take a step up at the Tigers.

Brisbane Broncos

Having failed to win a game at last year's tournament, the Broncos have made their intentions know with a squad brimming with talent. While a series of little-known juniors have been added for good measure, the star power of Anthony Milford, Darius Boyd and James Roberts should ensure opposition sides have their work cut out for them.

It's rare to see a former test captain unlikely to make the top 17 of an NRL side, but for new recruit Benji Marshall the prospect of starting the year in reserve grade is a real possibility. Renown for his brilliant feats over the years, the 31-year-old playmaker will be looking to wind back the clock to his schoolboy touch football days, where he dazzled opposition defences with extraordinary footwork. Touted as a possible centre option by coach Wayne Bennett, a strong showing by Marshall may see the Kiwi ace find a new lease of life in Brisbane.

Still eligible for the Holden Cup in 2017, Brisbane second-rower Jaydn Su'a will be looking to keep his time in the Under 20s to a bare minimum with an impressive showing in Auckland. Having debuted midway through last season, the 19-year-old forward is rated among the brightest prospects in the Broncos system, while his efforts have also caught the attention of national selectors following his past performances for the Junior Kangaroos. With the race to fill the void left by Corey Parker's retirement heating up, a starring performance over the weekend could see Su'a emerge as a dark horse. 

Melbourne Storm

The stars synonymous with Melbourne may be missing, but that hasn't stopped the genius of Craig Bellamy from getting the best out of his players in the reduced format. With just four players from the side that went down to Cronulla last October, look for the lesser-known Storm troopers to stand up.

Debuting during the Origin period last year, Brodie Croft may only have one NRL game to date but with plenty of wraps from Melbourne insiders, look for the young halfback to star over the weekend. Still eligible for the Under 20s, Croft may not have the experience of some of his fellow number sevens, but with the opportunity to learn from one of the games best in Cooper Cronk, keep an eye on the young Queenslander.

Entering his fourth season in first grade, 2017 shapes as a crucial year for Young Tonumaipea. Named to start the season in first grade over the past three years, injuries and form have prevented the 24-year-old utility from cementing a permanent position in the backline. Set for a showdown with recruit Josh Addo-Carr to fill the vacant left wing spot, extra incentive may bring out the best in Tounamaipea and help the Victorian junior reward the faith shown by the Storm staff.

Pool Prediction

Having surprised many with their showing a year ago, look for the Storm to finish atop the pool, while the Nines debut of Benji Marshall should see the Broncos outlast the Tigers and Knights. Storm and Broncos to progress.

Hunua Pool

North Queensland Cowboys

As inaugural champions of Nines football, the Cowboys are well aware of what is required to succeed in Auckland and judging by the squad named by coach Paul Green, the North Queenslanders are ready for another tilt at the title. Naming Johnathan Thurston to make his debut in Nines, the Cowboys will boast one of the most competitive sides at the tournaments with ten members of their premiership winning side to feature.

As far as modern day legends go, it's hard to beat Johnathan Thurston for the crown. Having conquered club, state and international opponents, the Dally M specialist will try his hand at Nines over the weekend with success all but certain. Being one of the most influential players in the game today, expect the 33-year-old veteran to deliver once again.

He may have only just graduated from NYC, but expect Coen Hess to be just as dominant in the big league. Likened to a young Gorden Tallis, Hess has been mentioned as a representative bolter after an impressive showing in the finals last season, while his strike rate across the tryline should ensure fans take notice. At just 20 years old, the rampaging second-rower has developed a big reputation in a short time and with the chance to press his claims for a permanent first grade position, look for Hess to star in Auckland. 

Sydney Roosters

Enduring a bitterly disappointing campaign in 2016, the Sydney Roosters will be out to turn over a new leaf in New Zealand. Naming a competitive squad tempered with established names and rising rookies, coach Trent Robinson will be optimistic about his side's chances after unearthing the likes of Latrell Mitchell, Connor Watson and Joey Manu at last year's tournament.

Once rated as the Raiders long-term halfback, the past few years have seen Mitchell Cornish relegated to reserve grade more often than not. After helping the Eels take out the Nines last year, the 24-year-old playmaker was unable to break into first grade, despite showing solid form with Wentworthville. Picking up a one-year deal with the Roosters, Cornish will be aware of the talent ahead of him, but with a starring role over the weekend his time in the NRL wilderness may be short lived.

The surname Tuivasa-Sheck may conjure strong feelings from Roosters supporters, but after playing a leading role in the sides NYC premiership last season, the younger brother of Roger will be out to forge his own first grade career. With the size of a prop and the speed of a winger, Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck will be hoping to use the Nines as a launching pad to emulate the feats of his older brother and make the transition from 20s sensation to NRL regular. Renown for his speed, look for Tuivasa-Sheck to be handful for opponents over the weekend.

Canberra Raiders

Announcing themselves as a side to be feared with a stellar 2016, the Canberra Raiders will be out to continue their resurgence in Auckland. Having struggled for genuine momentum over the past decade, the squad assembled by coach Ricky Stuart proved that you don't have to be a big name to make a big impact. Opting to play fringe players ahead of recognised stars, expect the Raiders to unearth some diamonds from the rough.

Boasting over 200 appearances and a premiership to boot, little-known Englishman Jordan Turner will have his first taste of rugby league down under over the weekend. Capable of filling in the backline, halves or forwards, Turner's versatility should endear him to Ricky Stuart as the ideal #14, while opponents will be cautious having seen little of his skills from Super League.

While Josh Hodgson and Kurt Baptiste formed a tag team unmatched by opposing sides, former Newcastle rake Adam Clydsdale will be looking to stake his own claim for Canberra's hooking role. Named as the sole hooker in the Raiders squad, the 23-year-old will be hoping to capitalise on Baptiste's early season injury and regain his place in first grade after spending much of 2016 with Mounties.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Burning out after a premiership winning run last season, South Sydney will be looking to reinvigorate themselves in 2017 and use the Nines as the perfect launching pad. Selecting a squad full of players suited to the quick pace of nine-aside football, the Rabbitohs will have plenty of strike to worry opponents, but in one of the toughest groups in Nines history it may not be enough. 

Starting afresh after a horror run with injury restricted him to just 13 games over the past two years, new signing Robbie Rochow will be out to make a mark in his Rabbitohs debut. Touted as a potential representative forward early on in his Newcastle career, the 26-year-old back-rower may have struggled for game time in recent years, but at his peak is as effective as any forward in the game. Possessing pace, size and ball skills, look for Rochow to deliver over the weekend.

Rated as one of the best young forwards in the game close to a decade ago, Anthony Cherrington will be out make the most of his first NRL lifeline since 2009. Playing 19 games for the Roosters between 2008-09, the second-rower suffered a string of serious injuries, but after working his way up through the Queensland Cup look for the 28-year-old to be one of the comeback stories of the Nines.

Pool Prediction

Arguably the toughest pool to pick. With two former Nines champions, look for the Cowboys and Rabbitohs to impress, however the dark horse for the entire weekend shapes as the Roosters. Roosters and Cowboys to progress.

With two straight days of NRL action kicking off from 10.00am (AEDT) on Saturday and 8.30am (AEDT) on Sunday, strap yourself in for a weekend where many things are yet to be determined, but the one thing we know for sure: Rugby League is back.