While his Sharks teammate Wade Graham was able to hold up the World Nines trophy as Australian team captain following the Kangaroos impressive victory, Shaun Johnson received some sort of personal consolation when chosen in the Team of the Tournament as a result of his outstanding performances throughout the week for the Kiwis.
Johnson was the standout for the New Zealand side during the two-day event, his silky skills and running game creating opportunities for those around him, with his selection amongst the best eight players more than warranted.
The Sharks were represented in the World Nines by Graham and Johnson, Briton Nikora (NZ), Andrew Fifita, Sione Katoa (both Tonga) and Ronaldo Mulitalo (USA).
Braden Hamlin-Uele was a member of the New Zealand squad but was rested due to a calf complaint. He is expected to be fit and available for the Kiwis in their upcoming Test matches.
The Kangaroos proved too good in the Final, winning 24-10 over the Kiwis after having also beaten the New Zealanders in their earlier pool match.
In the Women’s Nines, the Kiwi Silver Ferns caused an upset in the Final, beating the Australian side 17-15.
Kiana Takairangi, who played for the Sharks Harvey Norman Women’s NSW Premiership team in 2019, was in integral member of the successful New Zealand side and was later named in the Women’s Team of the Tournament.
Takairangi’s Cronulla teammates Tiana Penitani and Corban McGregor both played for the Australian Jillaroos.
Men’s Team of the Tournament
Mitchell Moses (AUS)
Josh Addo-Carr (AUS)
David Fifita (AUS)
Jamayne Isaako (NZ)
Shaun Johnson (NZ)
Dany Levi (SAM)
Jarome Luai (SAM)
Reece Robinson (LEB)
Paul Ulberg (CKI)
Women’s Team of the Tournament
Raecene McGregor (NZ)
Kiana Takairangi (NZ)
Honey Hireme (NZ)
Georgia Hale (NZ)
Ali Brigginshaw (AUS)
Keeley Davis (AUS)
Jessica Sergis (AUS)
Caitlin Beevers (ENG)
Rhiannon Marshall (ENG)
