Melbourne Storm has today named its 16-man squad that will travel to New Zealand for the inaugural Dick Smith Auckland Nines Tournament.
Purchase your exclusive Auckland Nines Jersey here.
In a significant milestone for the Storm, the club will field three Victorian players, Mahe Fonua, Young Tonumaipea and Richie Kennar, in the one team.
Five of the squad’s New Zealand born players will lead the traveling party in their home country with Kevin Proctor, Tohu Harris, Matt Duffie, Slade Griffin and Jesse Bromwich (17th man) all making the trip for the tournament on 15-16 February.
Ryan Hoffman has been handed the captaincy, a huge honour for veteran of over 200 games.
Storm’s team also features 2012 premiership players Hoffman, Proctor, Will Chambers, Justin O’Neill and Sisa Waqa.
New recruit Joel Romelo will line-up for the second time in Storm colours since coming to the club, as will young players Young Tonumaipea, Kurt Mann, Matthew Lodge, Richie Kennar and Cameron Munster.
Matt Duffie continues his successful return to football after shoulder and knee reconstructions in 2013, having played in last night’s trial match against Canberra Raiders.
A highlight of the team’s four day trip to Auckland will be the visits to Manurewa Marlins Rugby League Club, the junior club of Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and a squad training session at St Kentigerns College the high school of Matt Duffie.
Melbourne Storm’s 16-man squad for the Dick Smith Auckland Nines tournament.
1. William Chambers
2. Sisa Waqa
3. Joel Romelo
4. Mahe Fonua
5. Matt Duffie
6. Young Tonumaipea
7. Mitch Garbutt
8. Justin O'Neill
9. Tohu Harris
10. Matthew Lodge
11. Kevin Proctor
12. Ryan Hoffman (c)
13. Slade Griffin
14. Kurt Mann
15. Cameron Munster
16. Richie Kennar
(17th man) Jesse Bromwich
