Headingley ready to showcase league's answer to Twenty20

BIGGER is not always better in the eyes of forward-thinking Gary Hetherington.

While occasions do not get much grander than the Challenge Cup final, which his Leeds Rhinos side will grace this weekend, the club's visionary chief executive is always looking further ahead.

That is why he will be casting an interested eye over tonight's Carnegie Floodlit 9s at Headingley before the Wembley build-up kicks into overdrive.

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The nine-a-side competition, largely played under normal rules but only 15 minutes per game, may only be in its infancy – this is its third season and it has so far struggled to attract significant crowds – but Hetherington feels it could prove crucial in the sport's future expansion.

He hopes a time will eventually emerge where nines is as religiously followed just like the Challenge Cup final itself and believes it could be vital in generating additional interest in the game.

"Nines rugby league offers a real alternative – it's the game's Twenty20," said Hetherington. "It offers a very exciting potential for the game's development and entertainment as well.

"In this game, a team can play four times in one evening, it's spectacular, very fast-flowing action, played in short bursts where players have so much more space and time to display their talent. I think it's a much better game than Sevens which is a completely different sport to rugby."

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Prize money of 10,000 to be shared among the victorious squad has brought added incentive for Super League clubs, who are not obliged to attend, and the calibre of player on show is its highest yet.

Hull FC were the winners last year and they, along with Leeds, Bradford, Warrington, St Helens, Castleford and Wakefield have all sent squads, joining Halifax, Jamaica, Scotland and Wales in the action which kicks-off at 4pm.

England internationals Jamie Langley and Paul Sykes are in the Bradford side while fellow Test star Chris Bridge makes his return from a shoulder injury for Warrington.

Similarly, Wakefield include Ireland World Cup star Damien Blanch along with first-team regulars Daryl Millard, Ben Jeffries, Sam Obst and Tevita Leo-Latu.

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England's long-term international failures have often been blamed on player fatigue and so pushing for another competition seems foolhardy but Hetherington believes space can be found on the calender with no added burden on those at the heart of such matters.

"We know we can't be having our players playing more games," he admitted.

"However, I think there's a real opportunity to use nines rugby to offer an additional entertainment package for both current and new fans.

"It has to be an alternative – not to compete with Super League because what we've got is good – but something that perhaps could probably attract even more fans to the game.

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"It's already been talked about by Super League clubs and could even be accelerated in time for next season."

He feels it is also an ideal way for juniors to be introduced to the sport and, indeed, anyone who has not played the game before, thus increasing the chance of improving participation levels. But it is not only domestically where the format is currying favour as Hetherington added: "It was the Papua New Guineans who actually tabled this at an international board meeting.

"They suggested a World Nines and it gained support. I do know it's something that is being embraced and Wednesday night could be a look into the future.

"Rugby nines gives the game an opportunity to really develop internationally.

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"Smaller nations that will never compete with England, Australia and New Zealand at 13-a-side for many years to come could certainly do so at 9s.

"We have seen how that has happened in rugby union where the game's developed internationally through their sevens programme and rugby league could offer the same type of expansion."

The mechanics of nines could also see a new kind of player developed for the full version of the game, increasing their handling skills and awareness while calling for the need for greater athleticism and speed.

Hetherington concluded: "This will be the third Carnegie 9s. The last one was bigger and better than previously and this will be the same; it's growing in appeal for the fans and the players."

NINES NEWS

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Inaugural winners were Huddersfield before Hull FC claimed the crown last year.

The tournament revives the tradition of the Headingley 7s, staged between 1965 and 1978.

Twelve teams take part in the Carnegie 9s this year including nine Super League clubs – the most yet.

Rugby League's Fastest Man Sprint Challenge will also take place with Leeds Rhinos' Jamal Chisholm defending his 2009 title.

Prices are 15 for adults and 5 for children under 16 and concessions with the action from 4pm-10pm.