Gould is not a fan of Nines as evidenced in a tongue in cheek tweet about Warriors Veteran Rubin Wiki’s return to the game.

“The fact that people are excited to see Ruben Wiki play, at 44 years of age confirms everything I have ever thought or said about the NINES,” Gould wrote.

Fittler hit back by labelling his former coach a “dinosaur” who needed to move with the times.   

“I think some of those dinosaurs like Gus (Gould) might need to twist their thinking a little bit and get on board with the Nines,” Fittler told Fox Sports.

“I think in 20 years our Nines competition is going to resemble what Twenty20 (cricket) looks like, and also Sevens rugby.

“There’s no doubt about that. It’s a lot more exciting, and you can tell by the way people are attracted to the game — there’s going to be 35,000 each day over there at Eden Park.

“I think pre-season should be made up of Nines competitions, whether ones in Auckland, Brisbane, and Hong Kong, or whatever it is ... what a great way to show our game to the world.”