NRL 2017

And it begins again with the Auckland 9s. The Kava King is coming out of retirement....

Vodafone Warriors legend Ruben Wiki will make a comeback more than eight years after retiring at the Downer NRL Auckland Nines at Eden Park on February 4 and 5.

Vodafone Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney is yet to name his 18-man squad for the fourth NRL Nines tournament but today confirmed his former Kiwi team-mate will fill one of the spots.

Wiki, who turns 44 this Saturday, will swap his regular role as the club’s NRL strength and conditioning coach to join players he trains, many of whom weren’t even born when he began his first-grade playing career in 1993.

“It was a huge buzz when Mooks (Kearney) asked me,” said Wiki.

“I might have dropped the hint in the past that I’d like to have a go, especially when guys like Brad Fittler and Steve Menzies were picked, but I didn’t think it would happen.

“I’ve got some work to do getting ready for contact again but I’m looking forward to it. While I’m a bit nervous about it, the thought of pulling on a Vodafone Warriors jersey again is cool. I’m so honoured and excited.

“I’ve never played on Eden Park either so now I have the chance to run out there in front of my family and thousands of fans. That’s unreal.”

Kearney, who played most of his 45 Tests for the Kiwis with Wiki, has no doubts the long-time hard man will be up for the challenge.

“Rubes didn’t need much convincing. Put it this way, we certainly didn’t have to ask him twice,” he said.

• warriors.co.nz

Was hoping for Scott Pethybridge or Lee Oudenryn but Wiki will have to do as our throwback player I suppose!

Ruben Wiki should be quite fit,he spends more time on the paddock as a trainer directing Warriors players who have got no idea how to defend or attack...!,don't take me too seriously..!,it's just a bug bear that greats me,trainers who stay on the field,during the play..!

@Steven-Harris I hear ya - I was at a game at Mt Smart and noticed the opposition's trainer was standing in the one of the gaps where a Warriors player could run through. Basically he was acting as an extra defender.

I thought they were only aloud on the track when you had the ball?

It really does need to be stamped out, trainers off except for stops in play. Alfie Langer gets on the field and calls plays!

@mariner4life said in NRL 2017:

I thought they were only aloud on the track when you had the ball?

It really does need to be stamped out, trainers off except for stops in play. Alfie Langer gets on the field and calls plays!

I thought that too but they just meander near the sideline at the start and appear to stay out there as the game goes on.

Big signing news: Broncos halfback Ben Hunt signs with the Dragons for 2018.

@Sneakdefreak and no Bronco fan gave a shit. They'll just get the chequebook out

Wonder if they'll let Hunt go now and roll with Milford/Marshall?

@Sneakdefreak that's the least "Wayne Bennett" halves pairing i could think of

Warriors name Roger Tuivasa-Sheck captain for the 2017 season. Oh yeah, and the Warriors sign some unknown called Tohu Harris for 2018.

Tohu you dumb ass ... should have stayed in Melbourne (or any other Aussie club).

jesus fuck!! the kiwis are proper fucked now.

Tohu Harris will be another in the long line of players who look great at melbourne, and complete shit house anywhere they don't have Smith and Cronk running Bellamy's game plan

So, the Warriors have named a fullback as captain. A fullback coming off a looong injury break.

Shitballs, I don't recall reading anything about Tohu potentially coming here. Usually that sort of signing is flagged in the media well before it happens.
Good signing.

@Gunner This signing was definitely suggested in the media.

@Bovidae Probably got lost in all the usual "Kiwi born player to sign with Warriors" stories that come out when someone is wanting to upgrade their current contract i.e Steve Matai, Alex Glenn.

uh oh, I can see empty seats at the 9s, does that mean the honeymoon is over...:rolling_eyes:

Panthers look the team to beat, Warriors playing right now against Manly. SJ looks like he might not play the tournament - has a groin injury.

4-4 at halftime. No idea who Sam Cook is but will have to look him up before I do the season preview.