NRL: Luke hoping for first taste of Nines

Issac Luke missed out on playing in the NRL Nines this year. Photo / Getty Images

Rabbitohs hooker Issac Luke is hoping to get a start in the 2015 NRL Auckland Nines but is unsure what to expect in the shortened version of the game.

Luke was a frustrated spectator in February, as he watched his South Sydney teammates enjoy all the excitement and hype of the inaugural tournament, after he and several other big-name players were held back from playing following an arduous 2013 season.

Luke is chomping at the bit to get the chance to show his skills when the event kicks off at Eden Park again next month but admits he will be learning on the fly.

"I don't know [what to expect]," Luke explained at the official 2015 NRL Auckland Nines jersey launch in Sydney today.

"I haven't played nines since I was 15. I played in the Bartercard Cup one at North Harbour in 2004. I played that with my older brother but I haven't played it since."

The open nature of nines football suits players who can play off the cuff and Luke is full of admiration for the skills shown by his Kiwis teammate and Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson.

"I know a lot of energetic players will probably get the most out of it. It's not really a structured game, it's just free flowing," said Luke.

"Shaun is probably the best at it, he showed that last year. I watched all the games and that fulla was on fire."

The $2.4 million tournament will be held on Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1, and for the first time, clubs will wear everything from basketball cut jerseys through to Aussie Rules-style tops for the summer event.

Luke joined fellow representative stars James Maloney (Roosters), Brett Morris (Bulldogs), Josh Dugan (Dragons) and Matt Gillett (Broncos), along with NRL Head of Commercial Paul Kind to launch the 2015 Nines jerseys in downtown Sydney.

"The success of this year's tournament, which attracted over 90,000 fans and many star NRL players, shows that this event has the potential to be New Zealand's biggest summer event," explained Kind.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for fans to see all 16 clubs in the one place at Eden Park.
"This is also an opportunity to grow our game in New Zealand and for our clubs and players to share in the spectacle."

A shot-clock will be introduced for conversions and drop-outs as part of a range of innovations for next year's tournament.

To maximise playing time, scoring teams will have up to 25 seconds to complete a conversion after a try. If they fail to meet the time limit the conversion will be ruled unsuccessful.

Similarly, Defending teams will have 20 seconds to complete a drop-out. If they take any longer a penalty will be awarded to the attacking side.

The event will also include a nine-a-side match-up between the current women's World Champions the Jillaroos against New Zealand's Kiwi Ferns.

St George Illawarra star Dugan said he was excited to again be a part of the Nines concept, which involves a two-day, nine-a-side tournament and was last year won by the North Queensland Cowboys.

"I loved the experience in last year's Nines and I'm looking forward to being a part of the shorter format again," Dugan said.

"Everyone who was involved enjoyed being a part of the concept and it will be a great way to kick the year off."

This year's tournament was a huge success, with a sell-out crowd of over 90,000 filling Eden Park over two days, and next year's edition is expected be even bigger with organisers reporting strong sales.

2015 NRL Auckland Nines Pool Draw
Rangitoto Pool: Eels, Sea Eagles, Knights, Dragons
Waiheke Pool: Storm, Cowboys, Panthers, Rabbitohs
Piha Pool: Roosters, Broncos, Bulldogs, Sharks
Hunua Ranges Pool: Tigers, Warriors, Raiders, Titans