The rugby league nines format is tailor-made for diminutive, quick players.
Speedy outside backs usually dominate in the extra space afforded in the 18-minute, nine-a-side game, while the tough, physical forwards are generally cheering on from the sidelines.
Not at the Werribee Bears.
The Bears have rolled out their forward pack to good effect for the VRL nines competition this season, with the props and second rowers taking centre stage.
They have made it all the way through to the finals, which will be played as a curtain-raiser to a Melbourne Storm game at AAMI Park later in the season.
Bears coach Joe Diamond said his “big boys”, props and second rowers threw themselves into the competition with little understanding that it’s supposedly a quick man’s game.
“They’ve just kind of come out on top every time they’ve come up against an opposition,” he said. “It’s a great effort.”
With selection priority given to weekend games in the first-grade competition, the Bears have mixed and matched their nines team from game to game, giving extra minutes to players who had not logged heavy time in Saturday games.
Despite missing a number of strike weapons, the Bears came away with a 16-10 win over Sunbury Tigers in their most recent nines game on Anzac Day to confirm their spot in the finals.
“I get to pick and choose those who I’m either rehabbing or injured, so I’m only giving half the team selection when I’ve got games the coming weekend,” Diamond said. “They’re all very hungry to play.”
The NRL introduced the Auckland Nines as a key warm-up competition before the season proper. Now the format is starting to gain traction in Victoria, with players getting the rare chance to play on AAMI Park as curtain-raisers to the Storm games.
“It’s a beautiful venue,” Diamond said. “Once you’re on there, it’s awe inspiring. The boys have been so excited every time they’ve been here.
“The whole game is only 18 minutes, so it’s nine-minute halves … it’s the quickest game at the moment.
“It’s not about structure – it’s about get there, do your business and try to score tries as quick as you can.”
Diamond, who has played at the highest level, is in his first season as coach at Werribee.
The Bears, last season’s first grade runners-up, are 2-0 after Saturday’s hard-fought 14-10 win over Casey Warriors.
Diamond has been impressed with the work ethic and talent of the players at Werribee and is urging NRL scouts to take a keener interest in his side.
“I’d like to see more scouts get to Werribee because I think there is a lot of talent there,” he said.
“They feel like they’re at that NRL level when they get to play in the nines at AAMI Park, which is where I’m trying to lead them.
“There’s players in my team who I think wholeheartedly, if they put in the extras, might get there in the next few years.”
