9 reasons Wests Tigers can shine in Auckland

This morning the NRL confirmed what many had expected when they unveiled the NRL Nines concept. The tournament which marks a return of sorts to the old days of  Sevens tournaments will be held in Auckland on the weekend of February 15-16, 2014. There will be 4 groups, with the sixteen NRL teams spilt  4x4. The prizepool worth $2.25m.

For Wests Tigers, they were in fact the last winner of a competition of this sort back in 2004. A decade later they will get the chance to do it all again. The NRL has stated that each club MUST have one of their top 5 players available and a further 12 players from the 25 man NRL squad must be selected as well.

A potential Wests Tigers squad could look like this:

1. James Tedesco
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Tim Simona
4. Pat Richards
5. Marika Koroibete
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Luke Brooks
8. Adam Blair
9. Robbie Farah/Joel Luani
10. Liam Fulton
11. Curtis Sironen
12. Sauaso Sue
13. Taqele Naiyaravaro
14. Kurtis Rowe

I think the Wests Tigers squad above is one that can shine. First and foremost there is top level speed and skill in the likes of Tedesco, Simona and Koroibete. Koroibete also brings with him a power game that would likely be an asset in this style of league. His strength provides an ability to break tackles along with Nofoaluma and Naiyaravaro. Then there is the skill factor. Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses should get their chance on a bigger stage here and we've all heard about their combination together. Brooks would play the role of general and Moses would provide the X-factor.

In the forwards three things are crucial.  Mobility, Endurance and Versatility. In Blair, Fulton and Sue the Tigers would have 3 players players who fit that bill well. They need to be able to defend well in the middle of the park and be able to dominate a tackle. These 3 would be ideal choices. I've also gone with Robbie Farah but added Joel Luani. Robbie doesn't need to be playing this type of football and I would rather Luani get the nod. However as our highest profile player, Robbie may well be included.

Last but not least I've added Kurtis Rowe. He's a young guy with tremendous speed and ability to finish a try and would be ideal to use in this format I believe. He will also most likely end up Tedesco's back up if he doesn't get picked up elsewhere.

I'm looking forward to this tournament. They're always fun and without pressure. An ideal way to kick off a new season. For the Tigers it will represent the chance to further show off the talent we have coming through. Moses could be a real star if selected. He has great skill, flair and confidence and would definitely be a player to watch in this format. Touch wood he is fit and firing and available for selection.