9s World Cup Squads

[Tommygilf]

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3283760481641889&id=123699247648044

A good core of SL players there. 9s is a big opportunity for the likes of France, Wales etc. who struggle to compete in the full 80 minute 13 a side version to progress far. Hopefully the tournemant and format evolves going forward.

[Oliver Clothesoff]

Flower’s put his hand up for this of all things? Strange. 

[Tommygilf]

31 minutes ago, Oliver Clothesoff said:

Flower’s put his hand up for this of all things? Strange. 

Trip to Oz, professional environment at a cracking facility playing against England and France iirc? Seems a no brainer.

[Oliver Clothesoff]

2 hours ago, Tommygilf said:

Trip to Oz, professional environment at a cracking facility playing against England and France iirc? Seems a no brainer.

He didn’t bother for the last “proper” World Cup (in Oz), did he? Seems strange he is now available for this. 

[welshmagpie]

3 hours ago, Oliver Clothesoff said:

He didn’t bother for the last “proper” World Cup (in Oz), did he? Seems strange he is now available for this. 

Believe it or not, he was at a wedding (of another player in a super league also capped by Wales).

[fighting irish]

Whatever the reasons, I'm glad he's in. 

[Nate90]

I can't wait for this tournament.

[Tommygilf]

7 minutes ago, Nate90 said:

I can't wait for this tournament.

Me neither! I think it has real potential. I'd like SL to perhaps look at implementing a pre season version of the 9s even if it was in a holiday type warm weather destination rather than the UK.

[Nate90]

Excellent idea Tommy.I wonder how the coaches will approach the games in terms of training and tactics bearing in mind they are so used to thirteen  a side?

[Tommygilf]

5 minutes ago, Nate90 said:

Excellent idea Tommy.I wonder how the coaches will approach the games in terms of training and tactics bearing in mind they are so used to thirteen  a side?

I think some won't have a clue (which will make it more interesting!), others will see that the difference between 9s and 13s is far less than for example 7s and 15s in t'other code. I also think some players would really shine in 9s even more than usual.  

Reagan Grace could be a match winner for Wales.

[hutch]

Hopefully ticket sales pick up. Hard to gauge interest but a few weeks I got my ticket for the Friday and from what I could gather only 1500 tickets had been moved.

[Tommygilf]

1 hour ago, scotchy1 said:

I've said got ages that we should have 3 9s weekends, preseason somewhere warm, mid season england, late/post season France 

It doesnt have to be massive but as long as it gets close to washing its face it would be a great development tool

I think there is an argument for that. I'd prefer internationals mid and post season personally, but in preseason there is an opportunity that would also be beneficial to the clubs (as opposed to playing pre season friendlies) in terms of development and preparation for the season.

[Oliver Clothesoff]

Didn’t London Broncos take part in a 9’s tournament about 15 years ago and play in a vest in it? I seem to have some memory that they did.