The New Zealand Warriors are the first NRL club to name their Auckland 9’s squad.
It is a young team and I think it shows the mix of players from different grades we can expect from most teams that will compete at the Auckland 9’s.
New Zealand Warriors Auckland 9’s Squad:
Jayson Bukuya
Raymond Faitala-Mariner
Glen Fisiiahi
David Fusitua
Charlie Gubb
Konrad Hurrell
Sebastine Ikahihifo
Shaun Johnson
Solomone Kata
Ngani Laumape
Tuimoala Lolohea
Sione Lousi
Suaia Matagi
Dominique Peyroux
Sam Tomkins
Carlos Tuimavave
Most people believe the Warriors are favorites to take out the Auckland 9’s. They have a fairly exciting squad too with a lot of players who should really show their speed and footwork in the short form of the game.
Carlos Tuimavave should have a big tournament. 9’s football will really suit his style of game.
It will also be interesting to see how Sam Tomkins goes. He needs to have a big tournament. With so much space, he needs to show he can be a dangerous attacking option for the Warriors. If he doesn’t cut it in the 9’s it will be a really bad sign heading into the NRL season.
One thing I think is necessary for The Superleague to pursue, is streaming their games online via LiveStream or some other platform 87% of the population have access in the UK. The US is only about 81% or so. I could be wrong as I dont pay as much attention to the UK Superleague (mainly because of lack of access), but every team in the Superleague records their games, you have those mid week soundless highlights that they post on the internet. With regards to not having announcers from what I can tell is that many of the stadiums do a close enough play by play with their regular announcer, or they could just sync it with the radio broadcast. The fact is one of the many reasons they dont have those big money sponsors supporting it, lack of visability. IDK what the broadcasting laws are in the UK with regard to regular broadcast/cable TV, but they should also look into making their own TV station, Like the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL – The NFL was the first. People are still going to watch on Sky, especially the older fans, however with regard to capturing the next generation and bringing the sport to the next level, they need to engage the youth by providing the ability to watch the game more than a few games a week.