Graham reckons Rabbitohs can run rampant at Nines

Campbell Graham runs his eyes over his South Sydney teammates and can think of five names right off the bat of who should play for the Rabbitohs in next February's NRL Nines.

Since Graham was South's Sydney's only representative in Mal Meninga's Australian team for the World Nines at Bankwest last October, he's fairly confident in being the unofficial 'team selector'.

"Obviously you want Damien Cook there. Adam Doueihi would be ideal as well, as they both can create something out of nothing with their skills," Graham told NRL.com

"We've got some exciting runners like Braidon Burns and 'Jimmy the Jet' (James Roberts) who just eat up metres so beautifully.

"I'd also like to see Cody Walker there, providing he's recovered enough from his shoulder surgery. His voice and creativity are just so necessary to a lot that we do on the field."

That leaves coach Wayne Bennett to fill the other nine spots on the Rabbitohs' 16-strong squad for the two-day tournament at HGF Park on February 14 and 15.

The World Nines was Graham's first taste of the shortened game.

"It is taxing on the body in warmer conditions but absolutely I want another crack at it," said Graham, who scored two tries in the 26-0 win over PNG in the pool rounds.

"I feel I gained so much experience at the World Nines so I know what to expect now of how games pan out in that format. I'm so excited to see what my mates in club land can do in Perth."

Being a wing/centre for the Rabbitohs, you would think Graham's speed and agility would mean an easy fit from the 13-side game down to nine.

"To be honest there's not too many positions where you can hide in the Nines," he said.

"If anything the outside backs might not make as many tackles in the Nines but they are always running back to cover kicks.

"I found that I was being turned around a lot, so there's a heavy reliance on fitness and conditioning.

"So even being a winger I found it a very tough tournament, which made winning the whole thing that much sweeter. I can't wait to do it all again in the NRL Nines," Graham said.

Graham doesn't feel he needs to inject any extra field drills or gym sessions to prepare for Perth.

"You don't need to add anything to a NRL pre-season. I wouldn't be asking our trainer to do more fitness – he's exhausting us enough already."

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