The Hunter Valley A-Plus Contracting Nines is set to go to a new level with the inclusion of host Kurri Kurri’s Coalifields rivals Maitland and Cessnock in this year's line-up.
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The Pickers and Goannas have confirmed they will be starters in this year’s tournament which is expected to feature up to 12 teams including Newcastle RL sides Western Suburbs, South Newcastle, Lakes United and Central Newcastle.
A huge crowd is expected as February 23 tournament will also benefit from not clashing with the Newcastle Knights trial at Maitland this year.
Thousands of league fans attended last year’s game between the Knights and Parramatta Eels which doubled as the first game at the Maitland Sportsground and clashed with the date chosen for the inaugural Kurri Nines.
The Knights play the Cronulla Sharks on March 2, which effectively cleared the way for the Pickers participation in this year’s tournament.
Souths and Lakes are expected to confirm their participation, in the February 23 event, by the end of this week.
Among new sides to signal they will be taking part are Central, the Aberglassyn Ants from the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League, the Bugewoi Bulldogs from the Central Coast and the MD Memorial Bears.
“The Bears are a team put together by our fitness coach Josh Day to pay tribute to his brother Mitch who died of cancer,” Bulldogs stalwart and Nines organiser Mick Campton said.
“It’s pretty special for Josh to be able to remember Mitch in this way and it’s a great way to promote awareness about bowel and other cancers in men.”
Coogee has also confirmed it will be back, and Campton said he wouldn’t be surprised if more teams sign up closer to the day.
“It looks like we we will have at least 10 to 12 teams which is up from the eight we had in the first year,” Campton said.
“We were blown away with the response in the first year. The crowds were fantastic and I think it showed a real hunger for this type of game early in the season.
“It’s fast and frenetic and the players don’t get anywhere to hide. It also gives the forwards a chance to show off their skills and be halves for the day.”
Campton said Wests had been one of the biggest supporters of the event and immediately confirmed their participation.
“Last year Wests and Lakes, with Todd Eddwards coaching them then, were the first on board. Todd is passionate about the Coalfields and made sure Cessnock were straight on board this year.
“As soon as Maitland knew they were free of any commitments with the Knights trial they were on board as well.”
Both Maitland and Cessnock see the Nines Tournament as a key element of their pre-season preparations following the Bulldogs success last year.
“I think winning the tournament last year gave the Bulldogs a lot of momentum going into the season and they were able to carry it on,” Campton said.
“It’s a great day for the fans, with their team in action a couple of times in the pool games and it’s a great hit-out for the players.
“It’s a serious blow-out for the boys.”