It’s hard to take much away from the NRL Auckland Nines for the season ahead but here’s are 9 random thoughts we had while watching this year’s event.

1. The high pony tail is contagious

As someone whose hair has slowly migrated from the top of my head to my back, I’m loathe to criticize those anyone’s hairstyle but because I’m not blessed with a full head of hair I feel I have a certain right to criticise those who do and who choose to squander it. The high hipster ponytail sported by Jack de Belin last year has spread with teammate Mitch Rein also sporting one over the weekend. Jake Mamo has also fallen prey to this horrible fashion trend and it only got worse on Sunday. Stop it. All of you. It is not a look befitting a footballer.

2. How do you solve a problem like Ben Barba?

What do the Sharks do with Ben Barba? They didn’t have the answer last year and with Chad Townsend and James Maloney joining the side this year, it’s hard to figure out where Barba fits in this year. The live wire scored the Sharks first try of the competition on Saturday and showed enough to remind us that he has more to offer than what his best case scenario is this season, some sort of bench role.

3. I miss the old Chris Heighington

Remember when Heighington used to be a workhorse weapon? Back in 2011 Heighington finished with 17 workhorse tries. In 2012 he had 12 and even in his first year at Cronulla he managed 13. But last year his contribution was almost non-existent. Just four workhorses. I blame Paul Gallen. It’s just a shame that such an affable bloke is no longer an NRLCEO factor.

4. What has Boring NRL Guy been up to over the offseason?

How is Sue? Does she have a date for Valentine’s Day? One of the great parts of following NRL is the bevy of parody accounts on Twitter. I don’t know that we’ll hear much from @FakeDavidSmith this year but I do look forward to more tweets from the likes of @BoringNRLguy.

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5. Look out, here comes Bryce Cartwright

There were plenty of players showing their wares over the weekend that fantasy players will get excited about but Cartwright needs to be a priority pick, for every fantasy player, no matter the fantasy comp. The Panthers backrower showed all the ways he can contribute; tries, mid-field kicks, offloads, forcing errors, Cartwright can do it all. He’ll be one of the Panthers’ best this season.

6. Remember the name Gideon Gala-Mosby

At 19 years of age, he may still be a season or two away from being a regular part of the defending Premiers’ line up but there’s no denying his talent and more importantly his speed. After scoring 31 tries in 20 appearances in NYC last year, the Torres Straight Islander impressed for the Cowboys in Auckland, scoring doubles in each of his first two games. That will be enough for someone in your league to pick him up this season; will it be you?

7. The game is bigger than the individual

This is something to keep in mind for the players who think the rules don’t apply to them. Whilst an effort is made to have enough stars on show, plenty of the game’s big names don’t make the trip across the ditch. And you know what, I didn’t miss ‘em. If the likes of Mitchell Pearce or those in the Emerging Origin squad don’t respect what they have then see ya later! I’m just as happy watching a bunch of pub footballers run around as I am the biggest stars in the game.

8. Write of Semi Radradra at your peril

As a long suffering Eels fan, Semi has been a shining light over the last two seasons. As an NRLCEO player, he’s been a godsend. But some continue to write him off. Last year they sighted the fact there’s no way he could go back to back without Hayne, ignoring the fact he creates a lot of his own opportunities. This year it’s the fact he’s playing outside Michael Jennings. Jennings has never had a player like Radradra on his outside. If he’s smart, he’ll pass him the ball every chance he gets and become the try assist king. Radradra looked dangerous every time the ball came near him on the weekend and will be a force once again.

9. The Eels are the Auckland Nines Champions!

Long suffering no more! At the risk of making this article too Parra-centric it was delightful to see a good news story involving the Blue and Gold. It doesn’t change the fact that the Eels face the prospect of starting the season on minus 4 competition points. Nor does it erase the long list of problems the club has faced (most of them self inflicted) in recent seasons. And sure it’s only the Nines, but if you’re going to turn up to a competition, you might as well win it.

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