Meninga plots growth Australia coach keen to take tournament to the world stage
great game right around the world,” Meninga said.
“I’d love to see it being played around the world like the rugby union sevens — an international Nines tournament in different parts of the world. I can certainly see it happening. I just hope the vision is that vast.
“We can look at Hong Kong, United States, New Zealand, Russia, Europe, Africa, England, South America — there are a whole heap of opportunities.
“Obviously the event could also be played in Australia as well. Anywhere that plays rugby — this is a just a different version of the Sevens that would be really exciting for players and becomes an aspirational thing for rugby league players.
“There are a lot of ex-pats right around the world who would follow it. It would express our game in the right light if we took it global.
“In four years’ time, I could imagine, hopefully, that we have an international World Cup of Nines, maybe in Europe somewhere. Let’s try it there and see how that all goes.
“We all know the Rugby Sevens is a huge success globally. I can’t see any reason why we can’t do the Nines in a similar fashion.”
This will be the first World Nines since Super League ran tournaments in 1996 (Suva, Fiji) and 1997 (Townsville), New Zealand winning both.
Despite being pre-tournament favourites, Meninga said his Australians would be “up against it” to beat a star-studded 12-nation field.
Meninga said his Australians would confront multiple powerful nations, including New Zealand, England and Tonga.
“I remember coaching the Australian Nines team in Suva in 1996 and we only made the semi-finals,” Meninga said.
“We will be up against it and will have to be at our best to win it.
“We’re not a lay down misere to win but we have a good side — a lot of youth, a bit of experience, lots of speed and skill. It will be a tough event so who knows what will pan out?
“There are only nine players across a full field so anything can happen.
“The Kiwis and Poms look really strong, then you have the X factors with the Kumuls, the Fijians, how quick, strong and athletic they are.
“Then you have the Tongans and Samoans as well. There could be a smoky that gets through.”
Australia’s first match on Friday night will again be old foes New Zealand who have named a strong team, including Shaun Johnson, Dylan Brown and Canberra’s Charnze Nicoll-klokstad.