Get ready for an electrifying weekend of rugby league action on the Gold Coast! The Nines Premier League is back with a bang, featuring a star-studded lineup of former NRL greats.
The fourth installment of this thrilling tournament promises to be bigger and better than ever, with 16 teams gearing up for an intense battle. Twelve teams secured their spots based on last year's performances, while four others fought their way through qualifiers in Brisbane and Sydney.
Round 1 is set to kick off, and fans are in for a treat! Imagine seeing legends like James Maloney, Bryce Cartwright, Blake Austin, Matt Moylan, Alex Glenn, Corey Norman, and Andrew Fifita gracing the field once again. It's a rugby enthusiast's dream come true!
The Southern Sharks, two-time champions in 2023 and 2024, fell just short in last year's final against the Southside Dawgs. But this year, they're back with a vengeance, led by the experienced playmaker James Maloney.
Maloney, in an exclusive interview with foxsports.com.au, revealed his strategy: "We've got a great mix of young talent from Wollongong, the south coast, and even Canberra. I'll be the orchestrator, distributing the ball and letting these young guns showcase their speed and agility. Nines is all about that fast-paced, dynamic style of play."
But here's where it gets interesting. Maloney also shared his thoughts on the social aspect of the tournament: "It's a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with old friends and rivals. The Nines Premier League has this unique vibe where ex-NRL players team up with local A-grade players, creating a platform for new talent to shine. It's a fun, social weekend where you catch up with people you haven't seen in ages."
And this is the part most people miss—the importance of youth in this format. Maloney added, "The young, fit, and fast players are the real game-changers in Nines. We veterans need them to keep up with the pace!"
Among the former NRL stars, Bryce Cartwright stands out as a recent retiree. He last played for the Eels last season and is now representing FTA, a team that symbolizes the Penrith area. Cartwright expressed his excitement about donning the colors he grew up admiring: "It's an honor to represent my hometown. As kids, we dreamed of wearing these colors, and now I get to do it with friends I've known since childhood. It's a proud moment."
Cartwright also took a playful jab at the younger teams, saying, "I can't wait to face these young teams who love to talk big on Instagram. The pressure's on them!"
The Nines Premier League is more than just a rugby tournament; it's a celebration of the sport, bringing together legends, rising stars, and passionate fans. So, mark your calendars for an action-packed weekend, starting Saturday at 8:45 am AEDT on Kayo Sports.
Teams to Watch Out For:
- Southern Sharks: Led by James Maloney and Jeremy Latimore, they aim to reclaim the title.
- Salty Pigs: Jesse and Ben Marschke are the key players to keep an eye on.
- Southside Dawgs: Brayden Musgrove and Jacek McLaurin form a formidable duo.
- United SC: Blake Austin and Andrew Fifita are set to make an impact.
- Reborn: Brad Takairangi is the standout player for this team.
- Legacy: Corey Norman and Josh Hoffman, a dynamic combination.
- North Coast Marlins: Kurtis Rowe is their star player.
- Arthur Beetson Foundation: Joel Moon leads the charge.
- EZ Squad: Matt Bowen and Tyrone Roberts, a duo not to be underestimated.
- Campbelltown Saints: Jarryd Hayne and Curtis Scott, a force to be reckoned with.
- FTA: Bryce Cartwright, George Jennings, and Sam Curtain—a trio with hometown pride.
- RLPA: Matt Moylan, Justin Horo, Tyrone Peachey, Chris McQueen, and Kevin Proctor form a powerful lineup.
Which team do you think will rise to the top? Are you excited to see these former NRL stars in action? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! Remember, the Nines Premier League is all about fast-paced, high-energy rugby, so get ready for some thrilling moments!
