2017 Auckland 9s - New Faces - Wests Tigers

The Auckland Nines are likely to be the first opportunity die-hard league fans will get to see some of their teams' new players. To complement the team lists available right here on LeagueUnlimited, Columnist George Peterson will introduce you to some of the fresh faces in each Squad. 

First out of the blocks are the Wests Tigers and alongside NRL superstars Luke Brooks, Elijah Taylor and Sauaso Sue, three new players will make their top level debut in the Black and Gold.

Watson Heleta is a 21 year old Centre or Fullback who, at 91 kgs and 172cm, is a tackle busting and try scoring opportunist. In 2016 Helata played 22 matches in the Tigers' Intrust Super Team after spending two years in the Holden Cup squad. Club Management added 2 years to Watson's contract in 2015, and the 2017 Nines will be an opportunity for him to show Tigers fans what the Coaching staff have seen already.  

Wentworthville Junior, Matt Eisenhuth has matured into a 24 year old, 106 kg utility forward who hopes to have an extended NRL career like his cousin Paul Gallen.  Promoted into the first grade squad at Parramatta by Ricky Stuart in 2013,  Matt joined the Tigers in 2015, and last year played 15 matches in Intrust Super Premiership Team, averaging 99 metres and 28 tackles per match.  His reward for a hard working season is the call up to the NRL Squad and a trip to Auckland.

Boom Second Rower and Mt Albert Junior, Esan Marsters, gets a free trip home when he joins the Tigers team for the Nines tournament to be played this weekend in Auckland.  At just 20 years of age he will be the youngest Tiger Coach Jason Taylor lets out of the den for the season starting festival of attacking rugby league. Last year in the Holden Cup he scored 10 tries and gifted 7 to team mates, while breaking the opposition line 14 times and running over 2100 metres with the ball in hand.  At 110 kg he'll be easy to spot.

NRL Auckland Nines squad lists

NRL Auckland Nines schedule (AEDT)