For those of you who have been hiding under a rock for the
last week, it has recently been announced that Brad Fittler is planning a comeback
to play in the first ever Auckland Nines Tournament in February.
Many were delighted by this news (particularly Roosters
fans). Brad Fittler is a true legend of our game. In his illustrious NRL career
he played for two clubs - the Penrith Panthers and the Sydney Roosters. He
played for City, New South Wales and Australia and captained the Sydney
Roosters to their 2002 NRL Grand Finals. He is also one of the most experienced
first graders our code has ever produced, having played 336 games.
Whilst I had a bit of a giggle when I heard that Freddie was
coming back, on further reflection it has made me even more excited about the
upcoming Nines Tournament (whether this is actual excitement about the
Tournament itself or whether I am just waiting for Rugby League of any kind
remains to be seen).
In terms of Freddie's return, as long as he feels his body
is up to it - I welcome his return. He was an amazing player and it would be
great to see him lace up his boots one more time. The Roosters are also playing
the Eels in Round 1 of the Nines, so he may get the opportunity to ease himself
back in.
All the talk about Freddie's return made me think about the
possibility of each team brining back one retiree from their Club to play for
the Nines and who I would select for each team.
Brisbane Broncos - There is absolutely no question about it.
If I could select one player to come back for the Broncos it would have to be
Darren Lockyer. Lockyer retired in 2011 after a mammoth seventeen seasons for
the Brisbane Broncos. A very talented player with the ability to create
'something out of nothing', Lockyer was also a wonderful example of a true
gentleman of our game.
Canberra Raiders - Perhaps as a strategy to get him out of
the commentary box, I should pick Laurie Daley for the Raiders. Daley was such
a key part of the Raiders success in the early 90's, is it so unfathomable that
he could possibly be an important part of a potential Nines victors in 2014?
Canterbury Bulldogs - True to my consistent picking of true
gentleman, how could I go past Hazem el Masri for the Bulldogs. One of my
favourite Bulldogs of all time (and I can assure you, there aren't too many),
the Bulldogs could definitely use Hazem's kicking capability for the Nines.
Cronulla Sharks - While he would have to put off production
of 'Escape with ET' for a little while, wouldn't it be wonderful to see ET's
golden locks back on the playing field? One of the most celebrated players to
ever play for the Cronulla Sharks, it would be interesting to see how much of
his old pace he has maintained since leaving the NRL in 2000.
Gold Coast Titans - This was a little bit harder. As a newer
club, the list of 'retirees' from the Titans isn't as long as that of many
other clubs. That said, the player I would pick would be Mat Rogers. Not only
was Rogers a dual code international, but he was an extremely entertaining
player as well - perfect for the inaugural Nines competition. Unfortunately,
the injury which plagued him in his very brief participation in the 2011 season
might prevent him coming out of retirement for the Nines.
Newcastle Knights - Andrew Johns. Is any explanation really
needed here?
New Zealand Warriors - Who better to captain the New Zealand
Warriors in the Nines than Steve Price?
North Queensland Cowboys - Another player who might have
their imaginary return to the Nines hampered by injury would be Ash Graham
(another favourite of mine from his Parramatta Days). One of North Queensland's
favourite sons, his career took on a new life once he left Parramatta to move
up north. Another extremely entertaining player, it would be wonderful to see
him flying high for the Nines Tournament.
Manly Sea Eagles - Could I pick anyone but Steve Menzies for
the Sea Eagles. Probably one of the only Sea Eagles to be universally loved and
respected, he was always renowned for his try scoring ability. I know he is
still playing in his final season for Catalans, but he has technically retired
from the NRL… right?
Melbourne Storm - Definitely Glenn Lazarus to add a bit of
strength up front.
Parramatta Eels - As a Parramatta fan this was a difficult
choice. I can think of so many players I would love to bring out of retirement
(with Sterlo probably being too old to help solve any problems we might have in
the halves). On closer reflection though, there is only one player I could
choose - Nathan 'Hindy' Hindmarsh. Hindy is probably the most loved Parramatta
player in history and there was genuine shock when he announced his retirement
at the end of Season 2012, with many Parramatta fans hoping the old boy would
have one more year in his tired, old legs. Hindy was brilliant in defence and
always there to clean up a mistake or chase down a ball when Parramatta needed
him. It would be great to see the old boy lace up the boots on more time.
Penrith Panthers - This selection is one for all the ladies
out there. How could I go past Ryan Girdler for the Panthers?
South Sydney Rabbitohs - Another player whose return might
be hampered by injury would be Mick Crocker. His return would certainly add
some fire and a bit of mongrel to the South Sydney forward pack.
St George Illawarra Dragons - Matt Cooper. Again, one of my
personal favourites. A very tough choice between him and Mark Gasnier.
Wests Tigers - Although technically not retired from NRL, I
would love the opportunity to see Benji Marshall play for the Tigers one more
time. There was genuine disappointment when Benji announced he was moving on
last season, however he was undeniably one of the most talented players I had the
pleasure of watching. His dynamic play would certainly only add to the Nines Tournament.
I've had a lot of fun writing this article. I would love to
know who you would bring out of retirement for the Nines.
Love,
@LadiesWhoLeague
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