2017 Auckland 9s - New Faces - South Sydney Rabbitohs

Souths have mixed experience and young blood in an effort to add a 9s trophy to their cabinet.  Adam Reynolds will guide the team around the park with Damian Cook ruling the ruck.  Three new faces will add grunt and pace to the squad of 18.

Siosifa Talakai may not need introduction to Souths fans but fans from opposing clubs will need to look out for this bloke. Siosifa is still just 19 and a product of Mascot Jets. In 2016 he played Souths U/20s, Reserve Grade (Bears) and made his NRL debut over in Perth against the Titans.  As a back rower or centre, "Chief" can do the hard yards up the middle or pop up outside his 5/8 and hurl his 100kg at the defence before linking with wingers Aaron Gray or Alex Johnston - who will both in Auckland as well.

Braidon Burns is from Dubbo (NSW), played junior footy for Coonamble and starred in Panthers U/20s last year.  He carried the ball for over 2300 metres and made 290 tackles, which is a high count for a centre. At 185cm and close to 100kg Braidon will be a handful for the Raiders, Roosters or Cowboys.

Cameron Murray is another Mascot Jet who has already represented at Under 16, Under 18 and in 2015 at Australian Schoolboys level.  He was also Captain of the First 15 at Newington, that same year. As a 90kg 19 year old lock forward, Cameron still has another year of Holden Cup - if he needs it!  Contracted with Souths until the end of 2018 Auckland is an opportunity to mix it with men who've made a profession out of Rugby League.

NRL Auckland Nines squads

NRL Auckland Nines schedule (AEDT)