2017 Auckland 9s - New Faces - Parramatta Eels

The Eels solved their long term fullback problem with the unearthing of talented speedster Bevan French at last year's Auckland tournament.

He returns this year along with big guns Josh Hoffman and Corey Norman, in a squad that is one of the favourites to take the title.  Three players new to the Eels have been included alongside those senior squad members.

Genuine pace is the best description of George Jennings, who has joined his brother Michael at the Eels. At 23 George is already an experienced first grader and he was forced to watch on from reserve grade as Penrith manufactured outside backs to cover injury, but left him on the sidelines.  He played 19 matches and scored 8 tries as he waited for the call up that never came.  He has much to prove and Auckland is his first opportunity.

Jamal Fogarty was the key player in the Burleigh Bears team that grabbed the QLD Intrust Super Premiership.  As a 23 year old half or five-eight, he won't be first picked in the Eels team for Round 1 in the NRL, but if poor form or injury create opportunities he won't let the chance escape him.  In 25 matches for the Bears, he scored 266 points with 11 tries and 111 goals. 

At just 20 years old former NZ Warrior, Marata Nuikore, has already had three seasons in the big league.  In 2015 and 2016 this solid back rower played in both the U/20s and Reserve Grade competitions for the NZ team.  Nuikore averages 100 metres with the ball in hand and 20 tackles per match and is a major boost to the Eels depth either in the pack or as a centre. 

NRL Auckland Nines squads

NRL Auckland Nines schedule (AEDT)