Vale: Terry Hill
18 hours ago | National Rugby League
2017 Auckland 9s - New Faces - Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Second year Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett is taking no risks with his squad for this years' Auckland Nines.
Last year Manly lost five players to injury and were asking the NRL to change the rules so they could rush a replacement to New Zealand for day two of the tournament. Marquee Brothers Jake and Tom Trbojevic are staying home, along with Daly Cherry-Evans and Blake Green, the ex-Storm 5/8 Barrett hopes will boost his attack. These absentees mean Manly fans will get to see some of the new comers with the ball in their hands.
Cameron Cullen is a 23 year old utility half, 5/8 or hooker who adds real depth to the Sea Eagles squad and he will relish the extra room afforded by the 9 man configuration in Auckland. A bustling 85kg organiser with great hands, he was man of the match in the QRL Grand Final win for the Burleigh Bears, who coincidentally play in the Maroon and White of his new team. Cullen played a big role in the first three Bears tries and scored the clincher. He can put the bigger, faster players into gaps and his support play is top class.
Brian Kelly is another ex-Titans player who has gone in search of a career at Manly. Originally not due on the northern beaches till 2018, the speedy winger was released early by the Gold Coast. Kelly was part of the Titans U-20s team, scoring 11 tries in 15 club matches - and can kick goals as well. Kelly showed his class scoring four tries in the Blues under-20 State of Origin victory to go with his try as a late call up for the Junior Kangaroos back in May.
Peter Shuster joined Manly after a stellar career in junior Rugby Union, representing Australia at U-19s level after graduating from Hill Sports High School in Western Sydney. In 2016 he played 20 matches for Manly's Intrust Super Premiership team. In Round 7 he was moved to Fullback and he sparkled through the rest of the season, with 11 tries. Do yourself a favour and check out Peter Schuster on YouTube. His try scoring is super, but he's also strong in defence and can catch a high ball.