nib Newcastle Knights coach Nathan Brown has named his 19-man squad for the 2017 Auckland Nines competition.

New recruit Jamie Buhrer is set to captain the side following an impressive pre-season.

“It’s a big honour, really,” Buhrer said.

“I haven’t been here for too long, but I certainly feel at home and to be recognised this early on as a captain for the Nines is a privilege.”

Tournament debutants will include Cory Denniss, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Mitch Barnett, Luke Yates, Sam Stone and Nick Meaney.

AUCKLAND NINES SQUAD

Peter Mata’utia

Ken Sio

Brendan Elliot

Nathan Ross

Cory Denniss

Brock Lamb

Jaelen Feeney

Daniel Saifiti

Danny Levi

Jacob Saifiti

Mitch Barnett

Jamie Buhrer (c)

Luke Yates

Tyler Randell

Jack Stockwell

Sam Stone

Lachlan Fitzgibbon

Nick Meaney

Sione Mata’utia (Emergency Player)

The Auckland Nines tournament will be held at Eden Park on Saturday February 4 and Sunday February 5.