NRL: Fittler to play at Auckland Nines

Herald online

2 Jan, 2014 08:46 PM2 mins to read

Brad Fittler last played for the Roosters in the 2004 grand final. Photo / Getty Images

Former Sydney Roosters captain Brad Fittler has indicated he will come out of retirement to play for his old club in the NRL Auckland Nines.

The 41-year-old last played in the 2004 grand final when the Roosters were defeated by the Bulldogs. But according to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Penrith and Roosters great will take the field at Eden Park on February 15 and 16.

Fittler later acknowledged on Twitter the speculation was correct.

"Pumped about given the opportunity to play again for the roosters. Demi (Fittler's 10-year-old daughter) has been keeping me fairly fit. #icebath,'' the rugby league great posted.

Pumped about given the opportunity to play again for the roosters. Demi has been keeping me fairly fit. #icebath

The deal is yet to be rubber stamped by the NRL.

"We'll be investigating the proposal with the NRL when they reopen on Monday,'' Roosters chief operating officer Brian Canavan told News Corp.

Fittler will be 42 when the two-day tournament starts in New Zealand on February 15.

He played the last of his 336 first-grade games in 2004, then coached the Roosters from 2007-2009.

He won the 1991 premiership with the Panthers and led the Roosters to victory over the Warriors in the 2002 grand final.

The Roosters have been drawn in one of the toughest groups on paper - alongside the Broncos, Bulldogs and Eels.

All 16 NRL teams will compete in the two-day competition, with many top NRL players on view - as opposed to many rugby sevens tournaments where players are lesser known.

Tournament rules stipulate at least 12 of each club's top 25 salary-capped players as well as one top-five player must take part.