Chris Lawrence will mark his Auckland Nines debut by captaining the Wests Tigers at next weekend's tournament.
In Robbie Farah's absence, Lawrence will step up for a squad also featuring veteran flyer Pat Richards, new recruit Kevin Naiqama and young guns Manaia Cherrington and Delouise Hoeter.
It will mark the first appearance in Wests Tigers colours for Naiqama and ex-Dragons and London Broncos halfback Josh Drinkwater.
"We have selected a fairly young side but it's an exciting one," coach Jason Taylor said.
"It provides a number of these players with an opportunity to stake their claims on a spot for round one in March and I'm really looking forward to seeing what they've got."
Wests Tigers have been grouped with hosts the New Zealand Warriors, Canberra and Gold Coast.
Wests Tigers' Nines squad: Sitaleki Akauola, Nathan Brown, Jack Buchanan, Manaia Cherrington, Josh Drinkwater, Asipeli Fine, Salesi Funaki, Delouise Hoeter, Chris Lawrence (capt), Lamar Liolevave, Kyle Lovett, Joel Luani, Kevin Naiqama, Pat Richards, Brenden Santi, Ava Seumanufagai, Tim Simona, Sauaso Sue.
