All-Stars vs. Indigenous Preview

Well, it's that time of year. I get excited for two reasons - the business end of the English Premier League is approaching but far more importantly, the NRL season is not far away. Trial games are happening, the Charity Shield is almost here and since 2010, the NRL All-Stars vs. Indigenous All-Stars game.

I'll be honest, when I first heard of the concept of the All-Stars I wasn't a fan. An early game that has no bearing on anything is simply an opportunity for pre-season injuries. I rated it as about as important as that useless match, the World Club Challenge. While I still think that it presents an opportunity for key players to get injured (hellooooo, Darren Lockyer?!), it also provides a platform for the season and provides a chance for Indigenous Australia to showcase their ability in Rugby League. Now let's get down to business...

Indigenous All-Stars


20. Matt Bowen, 2. Nathan Merritt, 3. Willie Tonga, 4. Beau Champion, 5, Jharal Yow Yeh, 6. Scott Prince, 7. Johnathan Thurston (c), 8. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, 9. Travis Waddell, 10. George Rose, 11. Cory Paterson, 12. Jamal Idris, 13. Greg Bird, 14. Ben Barba, 15. Jamie Soward, 16. Carl Webb, 17. Joel Moon, 18. Joel Thompson, 19. Ryan James, 21 Anthony Mitchell. Coach – Laurie Daley.


NRL All-Stars


1. Josh Dugan, 2. Akuila Uate, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Jamie Lyon, 5. Brett Morris, 6. Darren Lockyer (c), 7. Benji Marshall, 8. Ben Hannant, 9. Cameron Smith, 10. Matthew Scott, 11. Nathan Hindmarsh, 12. Liam Fulton, 13. Paul Gallen, 14, Dave Taylor, 15. Ashley Harrison, 16. Feleti Mateo, 17. Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 18. Michael Ennis, 19. Petero Civoniceva, 20. Kurt Gidley. Coach – Wayne Bennett.


Now what is more exciting than seeing Matt Bowen, Jonathan Thurston, Jamal Idris, Michael Jennings, Darren Lockyer and co. in action? While there is a definite risk with Lockyer, Thaiday and Yow Yeh running around with the game as their first under their belt, I think it will be an absolute electric game. The game is also voted by the fans and that can be seen pretty clearly with the selections of Ben Barba and Liam Fulton. But you know what? I don't care. Bring it on!