Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer headline a strong Canberra Raiders team for the 2017 Auckland Nines.

Announced today at the Raiders members event, the 18-man side features a host of established stars and new Raiders recruits.

Veteran forward Jeff Lima will captain the side, in his first appearance at the Nines.

Eddie Aiono, Brent Naden, Dunamis Lui, Scott Sorensen, Jordan Turner and Makahesi Makatoa will all pull on the Raiders jersey for the first time at the tournament.

Four players currently on trial contracts for pre-season have also been named, with Thomas Cronan, Mark McCormack, Anthony Moraitis and Topi Taufu heading across the ditch to show off their wares.

Having appeared in every Nines tournament so far, Luke Bateman and Zac Santo will return for their fourth edition, while Adam Clydsdale and young star Nick Cotric are also named.

Exciting young talent Paul Roache, who can play in the halves and at fullback, is the sole NYC player named in the squad.

First contested in 2014, the Nines will once again return to Eden Park on February 4 and 5.

The Raiders have been drawn in the Hunua pool, alongside the North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs. The draw for the tournament is available here.

Canberra Raiders 2017 Auckland Nines Team

1. Zac Santo

2. Eddie Aiono

3. Thomas Cronan

4. Brent Naden

5. Nick Cotric

6. Blake Austin

7. Aidan Sezer

8. Dunamis Lui

9. Adam Clydsdale

10. Jeff Lima (C)

11. Luke Bateman

12. Scott Sorensen

13. Jordan Turner

14. Paul Roache

15. Mark McCormack

16. Anthony Moraitis

17. Makahesi Makatoa

18. Topi Tafua

Coach. Dean Pay

Please Note: the squad is still subject to NRL Approval