1. So what's it all about?
All 16 NRL clubs in one city at one time - events on that sort of scale (city planner types call them 'mega' are rare indeed. They're big, bold and need huge financial backing and public support to succeed. Having sold out in its first
year last year, the NRL Nines proved every bit as huge as promoter Dean Lonergan said it would. The fans rolled up and the dollars rolled in, both for the city and the organisers.
2. Is it the real deal?
As close as you'll get for a pre-season competition. The NRL clubs are mandated to select at least one of their top five earners and 12 of their top 25-man squad. The rest of the 18-player squads will largely consist of fringe players and up and coming stars looking to prove themselves on the big stage. It certainly compares favourably to the international sevens circuit, which is largely for players who can't quite cut it in rugby's major professional competitions. These guys are genuine NRL stars.
3. So who are the teams and players to look out for?
Fears of players burnout mean some clubs approach the tournament more seriously than others. Melbourne's team is a joke and Penrith's isn't much better. But the likes of powerhouse clubs Manly - who field star halves Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran - and Sydney Roosters (Mitchell Pearce, James Maloney, Roger Tuivasa-Scheck and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves) and of course the Warriors are clearly out to win it.
4. Are the rules different from normal NRL matches?
Yes and no. The game is largely the same but there are a few tweaks. The main changes are:
• Nine players a side with five unlimited interchange players.
• Two nine-minute halves with a two minute half time period.
• Five tackles in a set.
• Scrums will only form after a double knock on
• No video referee
• Five points for a try scored in the bonus zone under the posts, with two point drop kick conversion attempts - 25 second shot clock to complete conversions.
5. How does the tournament work?
Sixteen is the perfect number of teams for a two day tournament. Four pools of four means three qualifying matches (two on day one and one on day two) with the top two teams from each pool progressing. From there it is on to the quarterfinals, semifinals and final.
