Auckland Nines

The NRL want to negotiate a deal with Duco, the brains behind both the Auckland Nines and Brisbane Global Tens, to bring the rugby league version from New Zealand to Australia. 

The problem, however, lies in the fact the Global Tens has a four-year agreement to be played in Brisbane. 

Despite the belief a rugby tournament would be better suited across the ditch, Carroll said the success of the weekend's inaugural Global Tens event gave her no reason to see why it should be moved.

They may not have had real superstars in their squad, but the Roosters were able to have enough experienced heads, plus plenty of x-factor to be the worthy champions.

Daniel Tupou scored the opening try in the final, racing down the right edge in the third minute and Bernard Lewis struck in the opposite corner soon after.

Leading 10-0 at halftime, the Roosters just needed to keep their defence solid in the second half for the title, but Malakai Watene-Zelezniak picked up a try in the 12th minute to get the Panthers back in the game.

The game's organising body is reportedly keen to piggyback on the success of tennis' Australian Open by hosting the Nines one week afterwards at AAMI Park.

The move could help rugby league spread its message in AFL-dominated Melbourne and convince some to remain in town after the Open.

Venues on the Gold Coast, Townsville, Newcastle, Brisbane and even Perth may also be in the running for the two-day tournament.

But Auckland Nines organisers Duco Events, who helped get the series off the ground in 2014, were unconcerned by the media speculation across the ditch.

Big names in the squad include halves Johnathan Thurston and Michael Morgan, hooker Jake Granville, forwards Jason Taumalolo and Ethan Lowe and backs Justin O'Neill, Kyle Feldt, Kane Linnett and Kalyn Ponga.

It will be the first trip to the Auckland Nines for four-time Dally M winner Thurston.

Lachlan Coote, Matt Scott and Antonio Winterstein are among the few big names left in Townsville.

The Cowboys will meet the Roosters, Raiders and Rabbitohs in the group stage.

Full squad:

New signing Benji Marshall will feature up in the backline alongside other star names including Anthony Milford, James Roberts and Darius Boyd.

With the likes of Adam Blair, Andrew McCullogh and Matt Gillett also selected it's hard to see the side struggling this year.

The Broncos will fancy their chances in a group with the Melbourne Storm, Newcastle Knights and Wests Tigers.

BRONCOS’ NRL AUCKLAND NINES SQUAD

Alex Barr

Adam Blair

Darius Boyd

Gerome Burns

Mitch Cronin

Matt Gillett