Shaun Johnson, Tuivasa-Sheck To Play At NRL Nines

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson will make his return from injury at next weekend's Downer NRL Auckland Nines at Eden Park.

Johnson will line up alongside new marquee signing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, and fellow new recruits Jeff Robson, Blake Ayshford and Henare Wells, however hooker Issac Luke has not been included in Coach Andrew McFadden's 18-man squad.

Senior players Ryan Hoffman, Jacob Lillyman, Konrad Hurrell, Ben Matulino, and Jonathan Wright are joined by David Fusitu'a, Solomone Kata, Tui Lolohea, with Albert Vete, Charlie Gubb, Ken Maunalo, Sam Lisone and Ata Hingano rounding out the squad.

McFadden's side have thrilled spectators but fallen short of success in the last two nines tournaments (they were beaten semi finalists in 2014 and quarterfinalists last year) and have been dealt a tough draw this year with the Bulldogs, Sea Eagles and Broncos their opponents in the Hunua pool group.

"We're naturally excited we've been able to pick Shaun and he's certainly excited about having the chance to come back from his ankle surgery at the Nines," said McFadden.

"He had to be confident and he is. He really looks forward to playing in this tournament and we couldn't be happier to have him ready to go and to be our captain again."

Warriors Nines squad:
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2 Ryan Hoffman, 3 Jacob Lillyman, 4 David Fusitu'a, 5 Solomone Kata, 6 Tuimoala Lolohea, 7 Shaun Johnson (c), 8 Charlie Gubb, 9 Henare Wells, 10 Konrad Hurrell, 11 Ben Matulino, 12 Ken Maumalo, 13 Jonathan Wright, 14 Jeff Robson, 15 Sam Lisone, 16 Blake Ayshford, 17 Albert Vete, 18 Ata Hingano.

2016 Downer NRL Auckland Nines at Eden Park - Waitangi weekend February 6 & 7
- All 16 NRL Clubs together in Auckland
- 31 games across two days
- Nine players per team, nine minutes per half
- $2.6 million in prize money
- Over 90,000 fans expected over the weekend

NZ Herald