Knights name Auckland Nines squad

Monday February 3

The Newcastle Knights finalised their 16-man squad for the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines, with five-eighth Jarrod Mullen set to captain the side in the two-day tournament.

If the Auckland Nines is all about fast paced exciting footy, then Beau Scott has no doubts the Newcastle Knights have all the attributes to succeed at the inaugural tournament.

He says the Club are well served in the speed and skill department, nominating the likes of Aku Uate, Dane Gagai, Joey Leilua and NYC graduate Jake Mamo as players to watch out for at the Nines.

"I’m really excited," Scott said about the Nines, which will be played on February 15 and 16.

"It is an unknown, so it is pretty hard to train for and we haven't focused on it too much but from our side, I think there are a couple of young kids to look out for.

"You’ve got Jake Mamo and he is lightning, so it will be good to see him get a run.

"Then there’s Aku and Dane (Gagai), this is probably their style of football; they are pretty evasive players.

"Other than that, we’ve got a fair bit of experience."

While Scott is expecting the likes of Uate and young Mamo to star at the Nines, he also believes the forwards will play a significant role in the fast-paced format.

"I think it will be like the real game of league and everyone will have a role to play," he added.

"There should be a lot of football played and it will be interesting to see the way it will all unfold.

"I also think everyone is going to be competitive on the day.

"It’s nine-minute halves, so there isn’t a long time to be out on the field for. It’s going to be pretty electric."

Newcastle Knights' Auckland Nines Squad

1 – Chanel Mata’utia
2 – Jake Mamo
3 – Dane Gagai
4 – Joseph Leilua
5 – Akuila Uate
6 – Jarrod Mullen (c)
7 – Tyrone Roberts
8 – Willie Mason
9 – Adam Clydsdale
10 – Chris Houston
11 – Beau Scott
12 – Robbie Rochow
13 – Jeremy Smith
14 – Michael Dobson
15 – Alex McKinnon
16 – Zane Tetevano

ENDS

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