Dynamic Indigenous All Stars side named to face NZ Maori

While many big guns have been ruled out, the team still boasts the likes of Nicho Hynes, David Fifita and Josh 'The Fox' Addo-Carr, who will be ready to trot.

Josh Addo-Carr of the Indigenous All Stars looks on during the NRL Indigenous All-Stars vs Maori Kiwis match at CBus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast, Saturday, February 22, 2020 (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Josh Addo-Carr of the Indigenous All Stars looks on during the NRL Indigenous All-Stars vs Maori Kiwis match on the Gold Coast in 2020. Source: AAP

Josh Addo-Carr, Nicho Hynes and David Fifita are among the drawcards in a dynamic Indigenous team to face their Maori counterparts in the NRL All Stars match on February 12.

As expected, the squads are depleted due to the COVID-disrupted NRL pre-season.

Cody Walker, Jack Wighton were unavailable, as were Maoris Kalyn Ponga and Jarome Luai.

Neither were Melbourne's Maori big guns Jahrome Hughes and Jesse Bromwich, who both had off-season surgery.

Biripi and Wiradjuri star Latrell Mitchell and Storm hooker Brandon Smith are unable to play due to suspension.

But the match, to be played in Sydney at CommBank Stadium for the first time, still promises plenty of attacking fireworks with some of the game's best entertainers to suit up.

The 20-man squads were announced on Tuesday in alphabetical order, leaving Indigenous coach Laurie Daley and Maori mentor David Kidwell time to decide how they'll line up.

With seven of their players set to take part in the fixture, Cronulla is the most-represented team.

Marquee Sharks recruit Hynes could join new teammate Braydon Trindall in the Indigenous halves, with fullback Will Kennedy an option to continue the club connection in the starting spine.
Meanwhile, veteran Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita is poised to return from the life-threatening fractured larynx he suffered after a knock against Newcastle in August.

"There's definitely a fair bit of speed and excitement in this squad," Daley said.

"Importantly we have a strong and proud group who will grow from the experience that is All Stars.

"We have some newcomers to the contest as well which gives us such an opportunity alongside others who are All Stars veterans.

"Our players will be very keen to learn about themselves, their teammates - and to also educate others. That's what makes this game so special."
The Maori All Stars will feature several Kiwi internationals, headlined by premiership-winning Penrith forward James Fisher-Harris and Canberra back Jordan Rapana.

Warriors playmaker Kodi Nikorima is joined in the squad by younger brother Jayden, who is relaunching his career with Melbourne after off-field issues caused his demise at the Sydney Roosters in 2017.

"I'm so thankful to have a group of players who are honoured to represent their culture," Kidwell said.

"This is such an important week for the game and our players recognise this. They will all do what they can to represent themselves, their whanau and their iwi."

In the women's All Stars clash, Tamika Upton, Shaylee Bent and Quincy Dodd will turn out for the Indigenous team against the likes of Kennedy Cherrington, Botille Vette-Welsh and Corban Baxter.

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3 min read
Published 1 February 2022 4:57pm
Source: AAP-NITV


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