The inaugural Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines will see the 16 NRL clubs competing for $2.6 million in prize money in a two-day blockbuster over February 15 and 16. While the individual 15-man squads are unknown at this stage, each club is committed to fielding 12 players from their top 25 squad, including at least one of their five highest-paid players.
So who is the one Warriors player who is most likely to shine at the tournament? Have your say below.
Simon Mannering - Tough as teak, he's the also spiritual, emotional and physical leader of the Warriors and Kiwis, making him invaluable anywhere he plays.
Shaun Johnson - A former touch football superstar, there's a more than good chance 'SJ' walks away with the player of the tournament award.
Sam Tomkins - He's England's answer to Billy Slater, but he could make a name for himself in a tournament like this.
Kevin Locke - He's got speed to burn, and you'd pick this guy purely to see how he's handled playing behind Tomkins.
Manu Vatuvei - He's always been a winger in a forward's body, which is exactly what you need when playing Nines.
Konrad Hurrell - Similar to Vatuvei, he plays more like a front-rower than an outside back, so good luck to teams that don't have any boppers to handle the Hurrellcane.
Feleti Mateo - Mateo plays like there's only nine defenders on the park anyway, so Nines could be child's play for one of the best offloaders in the business.
Jayson Bukuya - Game time with his new teammates is key, but so is his running game. Would want to make a good impression in his first outing for the Warriors.
