My suggestion would be to change the rules so teams have to pick 10 top players , 1 marquee , 1 club legend/Cross code , 3 players that play in NSW/QLD cup feeder clubs (played under 10 NRL games) and 3 under 20s. (With the option of giving a under 20s/ feeder club spot to a second club legend and vice versa.)
This would give young players and unknown players a chance to impress. It also gives fans a sneak peak at players they have at their club. The legend is for fun . They’ll love being out there and the fans will love seeing them back in action.
Here's my pick of legends i'd like to see play at the NRL 9s
Brisbane Broncos
Allan Langer:
My favourite player of all time and Rugby league Legend. ALFIE put the water bottles down , pull on a jersey and lace up ya boots. It’s time for another comeback.
Wendell Sailor:
One of my favourite players who I got to watch grow. Wendell has explosive speed and power. Give him a jersey Broncos or Dragons !!
Darren Lockyer:
He just retired so he could still tear it up .
I’m thinking Clinton Schifcoske, Laurie Daley or Ken Nagas.Screw it get the coach out there. Ricky Stuart come on mate!! Stop cracking at the team and the ref and show them how it’s done.
Imagine Raiders meeting Broncos in finals. Sticky v Alfie in 2015 who would of ever imagined .
Hazem El Masri . Yeah I know there are more exciting and flashy players but i’d chose Hazem El Masri. Once he gets cleared it will be a great return to the public for him.
Andrew Ettingshausen or David Peachey.
Gold Coast Titans
Scott Prince , Mat Rogers , Preston Campbell , Ashley Harrison. Are the club legends. You'd probably have to go with Preston as he played for Gold Coast Chargers as well. Plus Prince was forced out and Injury forced Ashley into retirement.
Manly Sea Eagles
Cliff Lyons !! Age is just a number . Steve Menzies is another i'd like to see .He already played in a 9s tournament tho.
Matt Geyer still plays rugby league . He also plays Old boys AFL so it would fun for him to make a comeback.
Newcastle Knights
I'd like to see the immortal in action. Give Joey a jersey and see how he goes. Plus the Knights could rest Mullen so he doesn't get injured.
North Queensland Cowboys
I'd like to see Matty Bowen back in a cowboys jersey.Matt Sing , Paul Bowman and Ty Williams are a few others i'd like to see back on the field.
Parramatta Eels
I'd love to see Nathan Hindmarsh back playing footy. He is a legend on and off the field. He could break the duck and win a comp.
Penrith Panthers
Ryan Girdler or Luke Rooney.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
I'd like to see try scoring machine Nathan Merritt in the 9s. He was forced into retirement so it would be good to see him back in action.
Put Matt Cooper and Mark Gasnier both in the squad. See if they can teach these young kids a lesson hahaha.
Anthony Mundine.... Rumours have been going around that he was spotted at Bulldogs head quarters. Maybe he is going to play 9s for them ?? If not Dragons should give him a jumper.
Sydney Roosters
Brad Fitler loved it!! Why not give him another crack ?? OR give Bryan Fletcher a crack and see him go head to head with Nathan Hindmarsh .
New Zealand Warriors
The original Beast ,, Ruben Wiki.
West Tigers
Benji Marshall ?? hahaha. What about premiership winner Brett Hodgson.
Rugby Union
I'd like to see Rugby League approach players like James O'connor , Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale to see if they'd like to play in the 9s. James and Quade are on the outer with Australian Rugby so it would be a good taste test of rugby league for them.
What do you think you my pick ?? Who would you like to see back in action ??