Auckland expectations?

[Woodsie]

We have, in the short history of the 9's ... sucked.

Now we know hardly any club is sending a star studded team, but what are your realistic expectations from our side?

Make up ....
5 players who have never played NRL.
9 players who are current reggies or at best part time FG'ers.
1 Player who has only played a handful of games in 2 years through injury.
I Player who has only played a handful of limited minutes in FG,
2 Regular First Graders.

With the exception of Kapow, every player in our squad has something to play for .. and I am hoping that they all have a real hot dig and cause Barrett plenty of selection headaches.

My thoughts are we will go well without winning.

 

[pjayz]

Since most of those going have not played with each other, it might be more miss than hit.

Tom Wright should be our stand out considering it is a running game with less emphasis on defence.

 

[Woodsie]

Jorge and Uate may just terrorise teams in attack.

 

[maxta]

my thoughts are - have taken the 21/1 odds and feel quietly confident of finals 9's....too unpredictable to pick but the side is young, energetic with players who specialise in this format....the NZ team will get 1 soon you would think and are again worthy favourites, who know well how to disappoint when the heat is on...

 

[The '47ers]

No injuries, and I'm happy!

 

[BOZO]

I see a competitive team who is very capable of going all the way
We have players with Speed Size and Skill and we will be out there for the Kill

 

[Fibro Eagle]

Expectation could win it might not even win a game it's the 9's
I'd like to see players having a red hot go running with ball and having fun
Main thing for me is to see players enjoying there footy and let it transpire into a successful season

 

[robbiea]

I see a competitive team who is very capable of going all the way
We have players with Speed Size and Skill and we will be out there for the Kill

This team looks like it may need a bit of luck,
But to be honest ,I couldnt give a .....
(with the nines tournament)

 

[BOZO]

This team looks like it may need a bit of luck,
But to be honest ,I couldnt give a .....

This team has what it takes , Have some faith in your Sea eagles robbiea for fck sakes !!!

 

[JenEagle]

No injuries. Ridiculous tournament that means nothing.

 

[smithy]

No doubt with the warriors and parra we got one of, if not the hardest pools. Still think with the players we have we can spring a surprise or two and get through the pools, then who knows.

 

[Woodsie]

No injuries. Ridiculous tournament that means nothing.

Agree the tournament means little in the big scheme except a bit of coin and bragging rights.

But I think to young players like Schuster, Kelly, T. Wright, Cullen and Lussick it might just be the biggest break through moment in their football lives.

 

[HoldenV8]

All I am hoping for is that the younger guys and fringe players come away from the tournament with more confidence in their own ability, and that we come away injury free.

I think that is the main reason that Barrett hasn't selected guys like the Trbojevics or DCE. The last thing we need is our leading players going down injured in what is a Mickey Mouse tournament that means nothing come Grand Final day.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

No injuries. Ridiculous tournament that means nothing.

Love your work Jen, couldn't agree more!!

 

[Woodsie]

Remember reading a while back that Winterstein was leading training sessions specifically for the 9's. Perhaps a sign that Manly wants to have a crack?

In previous years we haven't bothered but with Wright and Schuster also having short game experience we may just have an edge over some of the other teams.

We have a big mobile pack and the best thing is, with the exception of Kapow, everyone is auditioning for the NRL. Should see a fiercely competitive squad .... hopefully make the 2nd round of finals and I'll be happy.

Rugby 7's experience will be valuable, but RL 9's is a very different game.

Apart from the differences in both the speed and concentration of players at a ruck as opposed to a play the ball, and the need to be back 10m(?) in defence as opposed to being up level with the ruck, there is also limited tackles and a lot more kicking.

From memory, last year teams that played a more traditional style of several big hit ups before going wide and loose seemed to do the better..

There are at least 14 of the 18 players I am excited about seeing whether they walk on the ground with the chooks or fly high like Eagles.

 

[Ralphie]

No injuries, and I'm happy!

This!!!! Straight out the back door with a whimper and no injuries and I'll consider it a complete success.

 

[Garts]

You can bet people will be on here after a loss being concerned our season is over. No injuries ill be happy but obviously would like them to do well.

 

[Deleted member 26876]

Will be better than most think just based on the fact that most of the players in the squad have so much to play for, mainly those new recruits of ours, they'll all be competing to make the first grade side for rd 1

 

[KOMORI]

Do I hope we go well? Of course.

Do I care if we don't? Not at all.

All I hope is that we come through this dog and pony show sans injuries.

 

[castle eagle]

No doubt with the warriors and parra we got one of, if not the hardest pools.

can anyone tell me how the teams for each pool were chosen?