The inaugural Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines will see the 16 NRL clubs competing for $2.6 million in prize money in a two-day blockbuster over February 15 and 16. While the individual 15-man squads are unknown at this stage, each club is committed to fielding 12 players from their top 25 squad, including at least one of their five highest-paid players.
So who is the one Rabbitohs player who is most likely to shine at the tournament? Have your say below.
Greg Inglis - Size, speed and power. You need to tackle in numbers to stop someone who boasts all three, and nine defenders probably won't be enough.
Issac Luke - He's made a living off picking holes in 13-man defensive lines. Imagine the havoc when there's just nine.
Sam Burgess - His fitness would be tested at the Nines, but so would his reputation as a forward. There's a good chance he'd rank among the top in try assists.
George Burgess - One of the most effective battering rams in the game, will George Burgess be the Bunnies' not-so-secret weapon?
Adam Reynolds - Someone's got to figure out what to do with all that space, and Reynolds is fast-becoming one of the best in the league at doing so.
John Sutton - Is just as likely to hurt you with a 30-metre spiral as he is with a stampeding run or delightful step. A valuable playmaker in a back-rower's body.
Nathan Merritt - That memorable field goal in the shadows of the SCG? A few of those would be pretty hand in Auckland, not to mention his try-scoring abilities.