NRL: Joey in envy of Freddy cameo

Shaun Johnson is the player Andrew Johns is most looking forward to watching at the Auckland Nines. Photo / NZME

League immortal Andrew Johns admits he's jealous of friend and former New South Wales and Australian team-mate Brad Fittler's cameo appearance at last year's inaugural NRL Auckland Nines.

Despite enjoying a glittering career, the former Newcastle Knights, Blues and Kangaroos captain never had the chance to play the shortened version of the game. And it bugs him.

However, the neck injury which cut short his career in 2007 means he will never play again. His restricted mobility was evident when he featured in a touch match before last year's Cowboys-Broncos final.

"If my neck was all right, I would have loved to have done what Brad Fittler did and played a guest stint," the two-time premiership winner said. "I was quite envious of Freddy when he got to play. It's one of the best concepts I've seen and it's an area where we can grow the game."

Johns will be in attendance again and nominated the nine players he's most excited about watching at Eden Park.

Shaun Johnson

(Warriors, Halfback)

"My No 1 pick is Shaun Johnson. Last year, the New Zealand test star brought the Eden Park crowd to their feet every time he got the ball and I'm sure he'll do the same again this time. He's got all the talent in the world. We all know what a great player he is and I just love watching him play this format."

Johnathan Thurston

(Cowboys, Halfback)

Johnathan Thurston

"It goes to show how the status of the event has grown when one of the best players in the world wants to play in it. He would have loved to have been involved in the Cowboys' title win last year and, with him on board, they will be hard to beat again. The thing about Thurston is he's so competitive. He wants to be around the ball all the time and, if you give him time and space, he's going to hurt you."

Alex Johnston

(Rabbitohs, Wing-fullback)

"The young South Sydney flyer had a sensational rookie year in 2014 and ended up being selected for the Four Nations for Australia. He's got speed to burn and great footwork so, in this form of the game, he's going to be so dangerous."

Akuila Uate

(Knights, Wing)

Akuila Uate

"He's big, strong and athletic, with great footwork, and the nines format really suits his skill-set. If Akuila gets any room to move, then look out because it will be try-time."

Luke Brooks

(Tigers, Halfback)

Mitchell Moses

(Tigers, Five-eighth, fullback)

Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses

"I've got two combinations I'm looking forward to watching, with the first one being the young Tigers duo Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses. They're best mates off the field and played all their football together in the juniors, so they have a great understanding. I have no doubt they would have had a huge off-season and, with room to move, these two could be deadly."

Kieran Foran

(Sea Eagles, Five-eighth)

Kieran Foran

Daly Cherry-Evans

(Sea Eagles, Halfback)

"The fact both Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran want to play will be a huge coup for the tournament. You've got what could possibly be, in five years' time, the New Zealand captain in Foran and the Australian captain in Cherry-Evans playing together. I work with the Manly club, so I see these guys on a daily basis and the understanding they have. They could light up the tournament."

Jason Taumalolo

(Cowboys, Lock)

Jason Taumalolo

"The young Kiwis loose forward possesses absolutely frightening acceleration for a big man. He's light on his feet for such a big, powerful guy and, if the Cowboys go all the way again, he could be the player of the tournament."

After naming his dream team, Johns couldn't resist adding to his list.

"My 10th and last selection is the whole Warriors team because they made such a huge impression on last year's inaugural tournament. When other teams were playing, the crowd was right into it but whenever the home side came out to warm up, the whole stadium went bananas. I was really blown away by that atmosphere and I think they can go better this year," he said of the side who lost in last year's semifinals to eventual champions North Queensland.