Updated: 1/2/16 (Team Changes)
Some of the biggest names in the NRL have been chosen to play in the NRL Harvey Norman All Stars match in Brisbane on February 13th with Kick-off at 6.50pm.
For the first time, a World All Stars team has been chosen to take on the reigning champion Indigenous All Stars team at Suncorp Stadium on February 13.
It will include stars of the calibre of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Semi Radradra, James Graham and Martin Taupau.
Indigenous All Stars coach Laurie Daley and World All Stars coach Wayne Bennett named their teams in Brisbane today, with both expecting the match to be one of the best in the six years of the match.
Sam Burgess (World All Stars) and James Roberts (Indigenous All Stars) have been included in their respective squads, subject to finalising NRL contracts before the match is played.
Daley said his team would be headed by Greg Inglis but would also include emerging stars including Chris Grevsmuhl and Jack Wighton.
“This is such a special game for our players,” Daley said.
“The online voting and competition for positions was so intense – and the players want to be part of this match.
“We have picked a strong side full of players who have represented at the highest level for years.
Bennett was also full of praise for his side.
“The extended option to pick a World All Stars team means our fans will get the chance to see two high quality teams in the 2016 event,” Bennett said.
“It is a new challenge for these guys to be playing alongside each other rather than against and one that I am sure they will relish.”
Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Kate Jones, said the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars match reinforced Queensland’s position as host to Australia’s best live events in the best destinations.
“It is a great time for the fans to see both teams taking shape, and to get excited about the game in February next year,” Minister Jones said.
“The new World All Stars concept is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and has created an exciting energy around the match, with tens of thousands of supporters expected to crowd Suncorp Stadium when their rugby league heroes take to the field.
“Major events such as this are vital to Brisbane’s tourism industry, which generates $6.3 billion to the local economy and supports almost 65,000 jobs.”
Chair of the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council, Linda Burney, joined Minister Jones in support of the match.
“This match is a significant highlight on the rugby league calendar and I have no doubt that we will see plenty of support and good will for both teams,” Ms Burney said.
Tickets are on sale now at www.nrl.com/tickets, with prices starting at $20 for an adult and $50 for a family pass.
Fans can purchase their All Stars merchandise at www.nrlshop.com and click on ‘teams’.
For all the details on the week-long celebration and match, head to www.nrl.com/allstars.
Both teams will be in Brisbane in the week leading up to the match, with a range of community activities planned, including an Indigenous Youth Summit and open fan sessions to meet players.
1/2/2016 Indigenous All Stars Team Update
Jamie Soward (Penrith Panthers), Edrick Lee (Canberra Raiders) and Craig Garvey (Bulldogs) have been added to the Indigenous All Stars squad ahead of the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars at Suncorp Stadium on February 13.
The trio will replace Johnathan Thurston, Blake Ferguson and Nathan Peats, who have withdrawn from the match.
All three players have been added to the Indigenous All Stars interchange. Tyrone Roberts will now start at halfback in place of Thurston, while James Roberts will start at centre in place of Ferguson. Ray Thompson will be Coach Laurie Daley’s new starting hooker, in place of Peats.
2/2/2016 World Alll Stars Team Update
Adam Reynolds, (South Sydney), Jeremy Smith (Newcastle Knights), Michael Ennis (Cronulla Sharks), Jordan Kahu (Brisbane Broncos) and Chris Lawrence (Wests Tigers) have been added to the World All Stars squad ahead of the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars, at Suncorp Stadium on February 13.
They will replace Trent Hodkinson, Tyson Frizell, Robbie Farah, Lachlan Maranta and Sam Burgess, who have withdrawn from the match.
Paul Gallen has been shifted to lock in place of Sam Burgess, with Tom Burgess promoted to the front-row from the interchange bench.
The two teams (Updated 2/2/2016) to face each other at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday February 13 are:
Indigenous All Stars
No. Player Club Player No.
1 Greg Inglis South Sydney Rabbitohs 28
2 Alex Johnston South Sydney Rabbitohs 40
3 Will Chambers Melbourne Storm 41
4 James Roberts Brisbane Broncos 54
5 Dane Gagai Newcastle Knights 45
6 Ben Barba Cronulla Sharks 23
7 Tyrone Roberts Gold Coast Titans 49
8 Ryan James Gold Coast Titans 24
9 Ray Thompson North Queensland Cowboys 43
10 Sam Thaiday Brisbane Broncos 13
11 Greg Bird Gold Coast Titans 16
12 Joel Thompson St George Illawarra Dragons 19
13 Chris Grevsmuhl South Sydney Rabbitohs 50
14 Andrew Fifita Cronulla Sharks 31
15 Tyrone Peachey Penrith Panthers 44
16 Edrick Lee Canberra Raiders 55
17 Jack Wighton Canberra Raiders 39
18 Craig Garvey Canterbury Bulldogs 56
19 Jamie Soward Penrith Panthers 14
20 Wade Graham Cronulla Sharks 53
Coach: Laurie Daley
World All Stars
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck Warriors
2 Semi Radradra Eels
3 Jarrod Croker Raiders
4 Josh Morris Bulldogs
5 Antonio Winterstein Cowboys
6 Gareth Widdop Dragons
7 Adam Reynolds Rabbitohs
8 James Graham Bulldogs
9 Cameron Smith Storm
10 Tom Burgess Rabbitohs
11 Jeremy Smith Knights
12 Simon Mannering Warriors
13 Paul Gallen Sharks
14 Michael Ennis Sharks
15 Kane Evans Roosters
16 Jordan Kahu Broncos
17 Chris Lawrence Wests Tigers
18 Nene Macdonald Titans
19 Trent Merrin Panthers
20 Martin Taupau Sea Eagles
Coach: Wayne Bennett
