Gould slams Auckland Nines

Penrith Panthers boss Phil Gould has bagged the Auckland Nines and says NRL players shouldn’t be involved in the competition.

Gould, the Panthers general manager and a Channel 9 commentator, took aim at the Auckland Nines on Twitter.

The former Penrith, Roosters and NSW coach criticised the lack of compensation NRL clubs get for players who are injured in the two-day event.

“I don’t like it .. I have zero interest in it,” Gould tweeted.

“Many NRL players are not suited to the game. Why should they be forced to play?

“NRL players shouldn’t be subjected to 9s football especially that time of year on that ground.

“It’s money making venture for outside promoters who use our NRL contracted players without compensation for injuries.

“Not trained for it. Different speed, intensity, spaces, energy systems, play 3 or more times in one day. Not normal.”

The Auckland Nines were created in 2014 with two days of football in New Zealand‘s largest city.

The competition has been running for the past two years and has quickly become a popular event down under with carnival-like atmosphere.

North Queensland won the first Nines event and South Sydney took out the title in 2015.

The 2016 edition will take place at Eden Park on February 6 and 7.