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THE Auckland Nines is a fantastic opportunity for clubs to showcase some of their rising stars on the big stage.

This year’s instalment is no different with a host of young guns ready to impress.

Here’s some of the names to look out for this weekend.

BRISBANE

Jaydn Su’A — A former schoolboy union star, big things are expected of the hardworking backrower after making his debut last year. The youngest forward to ever start for the Broncos.

CANBERRA

Nick Cotric — A prodigiously talented centre in the same mould as Josh Dugan, he made last year’s under-20s team of the year.

CANTERBURY

Marcelo Montoya — After a belter of a year in the lower grades in 2016 — including 19 tries in 18 under-20s games and six tries in seven NSW Cup games. Talked up as a chance to play in the opening NRL round.

CRONULLA

Kurt Capewell — The back-rower played 73 minutes in the Sharks’ courageous semi-final win over Canberra. Made four first grade appearances in 2016 but missed out on grand final selection.

GOLD COAST

Tyronne Roberts-Davies — Not to be confused with Titans half Tyrone Roberts. The 19-year-old outside back and Australian Schoolboys representative is said to have a similar playing style to his cousin, Brisbane speedster James Roberts.

MANLY

Brian Kelly — Massive opportunities stand before the former Titan. He’s a red-hot chance to come into Trent Barrett’s backline.

MELBOURNE

Curtis Scott — This heavily hyped Junior Kangaroo has been elevated to the Storm first-grade squad. The Cronulla junior was chased by 12 clubs.

NEWCASTLE

Luke Yates — A hard-running prop who starred in NSW Cup last year. He was earmarked to make first grade and should make the step up in 2017.

NORTH QUEENSLAND

Gideon Gela-Mosby — Starred in last year’s Nines but could not crack first grade. He is potentially the fastest man in the game and holds the under-20s competition record for most tries (39) in a season.

PARRAMATTA

Jamal Fogarty — The Australian Schoolboys representative starred for Burleigh in last year’s Queensland Cup. The playmaker was chased by several clubs and signed a two-year deal with Parramatta.

PENRITH

Tyrone May — The Junior Kangaroo made the under-20s team of the year at five-eighth but is versatile enough to play most positions. Played in back-to-back under-20s grand finals.

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA

Jai Field — A shock contender for the Dragons halfback spot. He’s been told to add bulk over the pre-season, but the 19-year-old speed demon will be suited to the nines.

SOUTH SYDNEY

Tyrell Fuimaono — The Rabbitohs snuck under Parramatta’s guard to snare his signature. Big enough to play second row and mobile enough to slot in at centre.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck — Being the younger brother of Warriors skipper Roger, you know what to expect — blinding speed and sensational footwork. At 100kg and 180cm he’s already bigger than RTS and scored the winning try in last year’s under-20s grand final.

WARRIORS

Ata Hingano — Coach Stephen Kearney is on record as saying he will partner Shaun Johnson in the halves if Kieran Foran’s contract is not approved by the NRL.

WESTS TIGERS

Esan Marters — The Junior Kiwis representative was chased by five clubs but stayed loyal to the Tigers. Was set to make his first-grade debut last year until second-tier salary cap restrictions intervened.

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