Scott Drinkwater wants to convert his Nines success to a regular starting spot with North Queensland after being named player of the tournament.
Drinkwater won the men's award after the Cowboys outlasted St George Illawarra in the final at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday night while Dragons halfback Maddie Studdon was named women's player of the tournament following her team's victory over Brisbane in the decider.
Cowboys lock Jason Taumalolo was also named in the team of the tournament alongside Drinkwater, whose focus has now turned to his head-to-head battle with Jake Clifford for the five-eighth's job in Paul Green's team for round one after star fullback Valentine Holmes's arrival.
"My goal is to start round one at five-eighth. Cliffo and I are battling it out there and we'll battle it out in the trial next week against Broncos and then Melbourne," Drinkwater said.
"That doesn't do too much I reckon to helping my case - 13 a side is totally different. Get back to Townsville, get back stuck into working with the team, trial well and whoever Greeny wants to pick, I'm sure will do the job."
Titans duo Tyrone Peachey and Phil Sami, Eels skipper Clint Gutherson, Newcastle's Mason Lino, Manly comeback kid Luke Metcalf, Dragons rookie Cody Ramsey and Panther foward Viliame Kikau rounded out the men's team of the tournament.
Studdon claims player of the tournament at NRL Nines
There were four players selected from the victorious St George Illawarra women's side with Studdon joined by Keeley Davis, Kezie Apps and Sam Bremner.
Raecene McGregor, Tamika Upton and Chelsea Lenarduzzi made the team from Brisbane along with Roosters duo Hannah Southwell and Nita Maynard but no Warriors made the cut.
