NRL: Jeff Robson hoping for first taste of Nines with Warriors

New Warriors signing Jeff Robson shows off the club's 2016 NRL Auckland Nines strip alongside representatives from the other 15 NRL clubs in Sydney today. Photo/NRL Grant Trouville.

New Warriors recruit Jeff Robson hopes to make his debut appearance for the club and try his hand at nines footy for the first time when the short-form knock-out tournament comes to Eden Park next February.

The former Cronulla Sharks halfback missed the first two nines tournaments with injury, and heading into his 12th NRL campaign, knows chances are running out to enjoy the carnival atmosphere of the pre-season Auckland event.

"I was injured over the preseason the last couple of years so didn't get a chance to play," Robson explained from the official Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines jersey launch in Sydney today.

"Obviously I don't have too many seasons left in me so I've got a big opportunity to play there next year.

"Everyone that plays in the nines says it's a great experience and that there's a great buzz around Auckland over the whole weekend. The fans get right behind it so if I do get the opportunity I'll be really chuffed."

Robson joined a host of big name NRL players, including Queensland, Kangaroos and Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater and New South Wales and Gold Coast Titans enforcer Greg Bird, and NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg, as all 16 NRL teams unveiled their new Nines jersey designs.

After some experimentation last year saw some clubs adopt sleeveless AFL-style singlets, all teams have reverted back to traditional jerseys for the third edition of the Nines, to take place on Waitangi weekend (February 6-7).

As always there is plenty of colour and variation in the shirts, with the Warriors elaborate black and white 'Spirit of the Warrior' design blending traditional Maori and Polynesian images with a collage of what appear to be rival team mascots.

Manly and Wests Tigers have both produced simple but striking designs using their traditional club colours with large Sea Eagle and Tiger logos featuring front and centre across the chest.

Numerous clubs played it safe, with Parramatta, South Sydney and Canterbury in particular, keeping their designs relatively simple, while Canberra and Cronulla broke the mould with their 'Green Machine' and protective armour designs.

While Robson has high hopes of playing at the Nines he knows he faces stiff competition to win a place in coach Andrew McFadden's 18-man squad.

With the likes of Shaun Johnson, and fellow 2016 signings Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Issac Luke, tipped to join the likes of rookie Kiwis No7 Tui Lolohea, the Warriors won't lack for playmakers in and around the ruck.

"I'll have to see if I make the team because there's a lot of really exciting young players there that are really keen to play as well," he said.

"I've really been enjoying training with the young guys and also the senior players there, so hopefully I get an opportunity to play alongside them in the nines and once the season comes around. I'll just have to wait and see what happens there.

"We've got some big mobile outside backs and our forwards are pretty robust and mobile as well. With a bit more space I reckon they can do a lot of damage."

2016 Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines at Eden Park - Waitangi Weekend February 6 and 7
- All 16 NRL Clubs together in Auckland
- 31 games
- Nine players per team, nine minute halves
- $2.6 million in prize money
- Over 90,000 fans expected over two days

Pool Waiheke
Roosters
Rabbitohs
Eels
Storm

Pool Hunua
Warriors
Broncos
Bulldogs
Sea Eagles

Pool Rangitoto
Knights
Cowboys
Panthers
Tigers

Pool Piha
Dragons
Raiders
Sharks
Titans