Auckland Nines Discussion
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rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Newcastle enforcer Willie Mason lauded Auckland Nines as great concept
Newcastle Knight Willie Mason. Source: News Limited
KNIGHTS enforcer Willie Mason has lauded the Nines as a “great concept” after Cronulla christened the tournament with a historic 15-12 win over Newcastle today at Eden Park.
In a thrilling encounter to launch the nine-a-side extravaganza, Sharks fullback Nathan Gardner scored with 55 seconds remaining to snatch a come-from-behind victory.
Newcastle halfback Tyrone Roberts made history by scoring the first try in Nines history in the fifth minute, but the Sharks went to half-time leading 7-6 after Sam Tagataese crossed for rugby league’s first five-pointer.
The Sharks took an 11-6 lead when Todd Carney sliced through two minutes after the break, only for Newcastle flyer BJ Leilua to cross in the 14th minute for a 12-11 advantage.
But Cronulla landed the final blow, with Gardner crossing in the final minute, juggling the final pass before successfully regathering to sink the Knights.
Mason was one of several forwards to feel the pinch in 18 minutes of high-octane action, but said just one game of Nines was all he needed to declare the event a success.
“We thought we had it, but Cronulla got us in the end,” he said.
“It’s a great concept and congratulations to the NRL and Duco Events for putting on a great tournament.”
The match was played at a helter skelter pace, but more importantly the contest featured greater defensive structures than usually witnessed in the seven-a-side format.
New Zealand rugby league fans flocked to Eden Park this morning as the inaugural nine-a-side tournament kicked off in glorious conditions in Auckland
There was a carnival atmosphere from the opening moments, with thousands of rugby league-mad local public arriving at Eden Park dressed in Mexican outfits and an assortment of colourful garb.
Both sides were prepared to throw the ball around but were also wary of turnovers that could put unnecessary pressure on their defence.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...as-great-concept/story-fni3gf5j-1226827966003
- PETER BADEL
- THE COURIER-MAIL
- FEBRUARY 15, 2014 11:17AM
Newcastle Knight Willie Mason. Source: News Limited
KNIGHTS enforcer Willie Mason has lauded the Nines as a “great concept” after Cronulla christened the tournament with a historic 15-12 win over Newcastle today at Eden Park.
In a thrilling encounter to launch the nine-a-side extravaganza, Sharks fullback Nathan Gardner scored with 55 seconds remaining to snatch a come-from-behind victory.
Newcastle halfback Tyrone Roberts made history by scoring the first try in Nines history in the fifth minute, but the Sharks went to half-time leading 7-6 after Sam Tagataese crossed for rugby league’s first five-pointer.
The Sharks took an 11-6 lead when Todd Carney sliced through two minutes after the break, only for Newcastle flyer BJ Leilua to cross in the 14th minute for a 12-11 advantage.
But Cronulla landed the final blow, with Gardner crossing in the final minute, juggling the final pass before successfully regathering to sink the Knights.
Mason was one of several forwards to feel the pinch in 18 minutes of high-octane action, but said just one game of Nines was all he needed to declare the event a success.
“We thought we had it, but Cronulla got us in the end,” he said.
“It’s a great concept and congratulations to the NRL and Duco Events for putting on a great tournament.”
The match was played at a helter skelter pace, but more importantly the contest featured greater defensive structures than usually witnessed in the seven-a-side format.
New Zealand rugby league fans flocked to Eden Park this morning as the inaugural nine-a-side tournament kicked off in glorious conditions in Auckland
There was a carnival atmosphere from the opening moments, with thousands of rugby league-mad local public arriving at Eden Park dressed in Mexican outfits and an assortment of colourful garb.
Both sides were prepared to throw the ball around but were also wary of turnovers that could put unnecessary pressure on their defence.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...as-great-concept/story-fni3gf5j-1226827966003
d'Artagnan
Tony Townsend
This is outstanding footy, I'm even cheering for teams I hate!
Lynchyknight
Clint Newton
Saw that Bowens replacement Coote may be badly injuried. Would be a big blow for cowboys for upcoming season.