The Auckland Nines are this weekend which means rugby league is back upon us for another season. We’re getting itchy feet here at The81stMinute and we can’t take it any longer. So our Head Writer Curtis Woodward has put together some fantasy Nines teams from premiership teams 1990-1997.

Canberra Raiders 1990
Mal Meninga ©
Ricky Stuart
Laurie Daley
John Ferguson
Steve Walters
Glenn Lazarus
Brent Todd
Gary Coyne
Gary Belcher

Note: Not the quickest Nines outfit even with the inclusion of Ferguson. A young Lazarus gets a start with his size and amazing ability to get a fast play-the-ball.
Score: 8/10

Penrith Panthers 1991
Greg Alexander ©
John Cartwright
Brad Fittler
Steve Carter
Mark Geyer
Paul Dunn
Royce Simmons
Graeme Mackay
Greg Barwick

Note: Some really dangerous forwards in this side that can create second phase. Would rely heavily on Alexander.
Score: 8/10

Brisbane Broncos 1992 & 1993
Allan Langer ©
Kevin Walters
Kerrod Walters
Steve Renouf
Willie Carne
Michael Hancock
Glenn Lazarus
Terry Matterson
Alan Cann

Note: Sheer speed in their outside back and very dangerous creative players.
Score: 9/10

Canberra Raiders 1994
Mal Meninga ©
Ricky Stuart
Laurie Daley
Brett Mullins
Ken Nagas
Brad Clyde
Noa Nadruku
David Furner
Steve Walters

Note: Think of the players the Raiders would have on the bench. Guys like Wiki and Croker.
Score: 10/10

Canterbury Bulldogs 1995
Terry Lamb ©
Craig Polla-Mounter
Steve Price
Rod Silva
John Timu
Matthew Ryan
Jim Dymock
Jason Smith
Dean Pay

Note: Pace is a worry for this Bulldogs team and would need to concentrate on second phase through their forwards.
Score: 8/10

Manly Sea Eagles 1996
Geoff Toovey ©
Steve Menzies
Cliff Lyons
Nik Kosef
Daniel Gartner
Matt Ridge
Terry Hill
John Hopoate
Craig Innes

Note: This is a scary team suited perfectly to Nines footy. Wiley playmakers, gifted forwards and big backs.
Score: 10/10

Newcastle Knights 1997
Paul Harragon ©
Andrew Johns
Matt Johns
Robbie O’Davis
Adam Muir
Darren Albert
Marc Glanville
Adam MacDougall
Owen Craigie
Mark Hughes

Note: The Johns boys leading the way would be enough to send a chill down the spines of opposition coaches in this concept.
Score: 8/10

Brisbane Broncos 1997
Allan Langer ©
Darren Lockyer
Kevin Walters
Anthony Mundine
Wendell Sailor
Gorden Tallis
Darren Smith
Shane Webcke
Steve Renouf

Note: Similar to Manly’s 1996 outfit. An abundance of talent and no shortage of confidence. Would destroy many opposing sides in Nines.
Score: 10/10

The Auckland Nines gets underway this Saturday from 10.30am AEST.

@woodward_curtis

Video source: Roger Kenworthy