Rooster Mitch gets busy

IT will be a busy few weeks for Ballina junior Mitchell Aubusson with the 29-year-old set to captain the Sydney Roosters and take part in the National Rugby League All Stars game.

Aubusson was named captain for the Auckland Nines pre-season tournament this weekend and was also included in the All Stars team for the Indigienous All Stars clash in Newcastle next week.

He reached a milestone last year when he played his 200th NRL game and also wore a representative jersey for the first time when he played in the annual City v Country clash.

"I just want to perform well and lead the guys on and off the field,” Aubusson told Roosters media.

"It's a good feeling and there a few other guys in the team that will help me out.

"It (All Stars) was a bit left field I felt but it's an opportunity I'll take with both hands.

"You always watch the game but you never think you're going to be part of it.”

There will be plenty of Northern Rivers players representing NRL teams at the Nines tournament this weekend.

Marist Brothers junior Paul Carter will play his first game with the Roosters after he was sacked by South Sydney last year.

Former Ballina winger Nick Meaney will get his first taste of NRL with the Newcastle Knights.

Meaney scored plenty of tries in the Knights Under-20s team last year winning a first grade premiership with Ballina in 2015.

Another premiership winner from the Ballina Seagulls will also line up for Manly for the first time at the Nines.

Brian Kelly went to Auckland last year with the Gold Coast Titans last year but will be in Manly colours this time after signing with the Sea Eagles in November.

Kyogle product Will Matthews will play for St George Illawarra while Casino junior Cody Walker has headed over with South Sydney.