The NRL Nines Game Day thread

WE reveal the nine hits and misses from day one of the incredibly successful Auckland Nines rugby league tournament.

1. CLOCK WATCHING

When the NRL and Nines organisers sit down for a debrief, they should look at how much time was wasted after tries. There’s no way fans saw 18 minutes of action from each match. Some players chewed up to 45 seconds for a drop kick conversion. Multiply that by five tries and you’ve lost the very product Nines is all about — entertainment.

TOP TEN TRYS FROM THE AUCKLAND NINES 3:16
video www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/hits-and-misses-from-day-one-of-the-auckland-nines-rugby-league-tournament/story-fni3fbgz-1226828241220#ooid=13Y2VvazpSkFYegFEjbtCmPCtmvGscyz

All up, 16 games were played on Day One with 91 tries scored. Here's the best ten.


2. E-SQUARED

Even before entering Eden Park, fans knew they were in for more than just a day at the footy. Lollipops for the kids, inflatable team sticks, temporary team tattoos and flags were handed out free of charge. A kiss-cam kept the crowd smiling in between matches. Unfortunately for NRL CEO Dave Smith, there wasn’t a jumping castle in sight.

3. FIVE-STARS

It might resemble rugby union, but there’s nothing dour about the five-point try concept.

The opportunity to bag a bonus point kept most of the games in the balance. Then there’s the heart-stopping excitement of players risking a certain try as they dodge toward the golden zone.


4. UP, UP CRONULLA

The reaction of Sharks players to winning the opening game was priceless. Hands were thrown skywards, group hugs materialised and water bottles went flying. The reaction was telling of how difficult times have been in the Shire over the past 12 months.

5. WANNA BET

Odds for each match were flashed on to big screens before kick-off, replacing information that fans traditionally rely on to follow matches — such as the team line-ups. Spot-fixers don’t need more encouragement.



6. NEXT-GEN

The absence of big names gave young talents a chance. The likes of the Roosters’ Jackson Hastings, Bulldogs rookie Moses Mybe and Parramatta’s Semi Redradra all revelled in the spotlight.

7. NEW RELEASE

With no video help, referees had to back themselves — and in most cases they made the right calls. Endless replays have become one of the big momentum killers in the 13-a-side game.


8. CROWD BEHAVIOUR

The NRL embarrassed rugby union’s equivalent, the Wellington Sevens. The tight controls on beer guaranteed a largely well-behaved crowd.

9. STAR POWER

Players produced some spectacular efforts, such as this try from Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt. The likes of Shaun Johnson, Sam Tomkins and Broncos recruit Ben Barba had room to work their magic.







#GOManly