2021 All Stars

[Titanic]

It's that time of the year again ... congratulations to Fogarty, Fifita, Peachey and Kelly for making the Indigenous team and to Proctor and Herbert in the Maori. That's six (6) to watch with hearts in our mouths.

[DIEHARD]

I'm proud to see such representation. But you are right. It is a double edged sword. But it should also get some attention. I'm pleased to see us have representation in the Maori side too.

Match is on the 20th of February. Not long now.

[DIEHARD]

Latrell, Benji named to light up All Stars
http://www.nrl.com

Latrell Mitchell will make his much-anticipated return while Benji Marshall will represent his Maori culture for the first time after both players were included in the Harvey Norman All Stars squads on Tuesday.

Mitchell's inclusion at fullback for the Indigenous All Stars is a welcome sight for South Sydney fans after the 23-year-old's season was cut short last year due to a hamstring injury.

His new Rabbitohs teammate, Marshall, has been named on the bench for the Maori All Stars with coach David Kidwell unveiling a powerful 20-man squad following a 30-16 win over their Indigenous counterparts last year.

Marshall has been included alongside younger brother Jeremy Marshall-King with both in line to come off the bench in the match, to be played at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on February 20.

"When I phoned Benji and asked if he would like to represent the Indigenous Maori, you could just hear the excitement that came across the line from him," Kidwell told NRL.com.

"And to also be able to play with his brother Jeremy, which he's never been able to do before, I think that's really important and something we did well last year.

"He's looking forward to getting into camp and using his experience."

Kidwell said he'll work with the clubs to determine the amount of game time the likes of Marshall will play in the match.

Penrith playmaker Jarome Luai and premiership-winning halfback Jahrome Hughes, who faced off against each other in the grand final last year, will start in the halves.

"We're always trying to work with NRL clubs because we understand coming from clubland," Kidwell said.

"We'll figure all that out but sometimes it's hard to stop players who want to spend a lot of time on the field."

Marshall, Luai, Raiders fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Roosters centre Joseph Manu are among 11 changes made to the Maori All Stars squad following last year's win.

Nicoll-Klokstad replaces Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga, who underwent shoulder surgery in the off-season.

Storm recruit Reimis Smith is another bolter in the starting line-up with Raiders winger Bailey Simonsson included on the unlimited interchange bench.

For the Indigenous All Stars, who are looking to bounce back from defeat last year, coach Laurie Daley has made six changes to the line-up.

Titans halfback Jamal Fogarty has got the nod to partner Cody Walker, who returns in the halves, with Jack Wighton named in the centres.

Daley told NRL.com he was looking forward to Walker's return and combination with Mitchell, adding the playmaker's on-field influence was missing last year.

The pair are arguable the biggest names in the Indigenous All Stars line-up and vocal in various social and cultural issues.

"They're very influential and it's important to have good leaders for people to follow," Daley said.

"When they're in this situation they're comfortable with their voice. They'll have a big influence.

"Our strength is the backline so we need to take advantage of that."

On Mitchell's return, Daley added he'll monitor the Rabbitohs star's workload.

"We'll have to limit the minutes he plays as well and we're lucky we've got Alex as well," Daley said.

"We know what Latrell is capable of. I'm looking forward to seeing how he adapts and comes back from that injury."

Sharks prop Andrew Fifita is also back at prop after missing last year's clash through injury with his namesake David Fifita included in the back row alongside experienced forward Wade Graham.

North Queensland hooker Reuben Cotter has won the starting hooker spot after Newcastle utility Connor Watson was ruled out as he continues to recover from an Achilles injury.

Watson, along with Adam Elliott and Brenko Lee, withdrew from Indigenous selection, while Dane Gagai was again not considered by either team.

Sea Eagles playmaker Cade Cust has been included on the extended bench alongside fan-favourite Alex Johnston and Titans centre Brian Kelly.

A 25,000-capacity is expected in North Queensland for the pre-season event.

Witness the best of the best from both sides of the Tasman. As athletes and as people from the First Nations.

Hear us. See us.

Be there as cultures collide.

Tickets are available at NRL Tickets.

[DIEHARD]

Proud moment in Fogarty’s elevation
http://www.gcbulletin.com.au

Titans playmaker Jamal Fogarty has been named as halfback in the Indigenous All Stars team to play in Townsville this month. Picture: Jason O'Brien

JAMAL Fogarty’s meteoric rise into the NRL’s upper echelon has hit another high watermark, with the halfback named to start in the NRL All Stars game in Townsville this month.

Fogarty, 27, returned from the NRL wilderness last season to great effect, adding to his two Titans caps from 2017 by playing in every game from Round 3 onwards and captaining the side in Round 15 against the Raiders.

He is one of six Titans set to feature in the annual showpiece event on February 20, alongside David Fifita, Brian Kelly and Tyrone Peachey for the Indigenous All Stars and against Kevin Proctor and Patrick Herbert for the Maori All Stars. “I’m a bit shocked and a bit nervous but also very excited to jump into camp,” Fogarty said.

“Especially on the culture side of things to educate myself, and especially up in Townsville, that’s a big Indigenous community up there so I’m very excited.”

Fogarty will partner Palm Beach Currumbin High School product Cody Walker, last year’s Indigenous All Stars skipper, in the halves for coach Laurie Daley’s side.

A proud Mununjali man from Beaudesert, Fogarty fills the No.7 void left by former teammate Tyrone Roberts, who played in the position in the 2020 fixture.

He beat out Titans teammate Ash Taylor for the role, who ranked close behind in fan voting.

“For myself it (means) everything,” Fogarty said.

Putting our culture on the calendar every year … getting out in the community and sharing our knowledge and getting educated on our culture.

“The game last year I went to Cbus Stadium and my mate goes, ‘oh you’ll be playing in that next year’ and I was like ‘oh shut up mate, I don’t even have a contract’.

“So yeah, it’s been pretty crazy but it will be an awesome week.”

Titans marquee recruit Fifita returns for a second stint in the Indigenous side, named in the second row for the clash in Townsville after lining up at lock for last year’s game on the Gold Coast.

Indigenous All Stars regular Peachey will line up for a remarkable sixth time, while Proctor will make his third appearance for the Maori side.

Titans centres Kelly and Herbert have both been handed NRL All Stars debuts for their respective sides and will likely line up opposite each other in

[Titanic]

Surely this is the voice of our Club captain.

[DIEHARD]

Daley has All-Stars challenge for Fifita
http://www.gcbulletin.com.au

INDIGENOUS All Stars coach Laurie Daley has challenged Gold Coast enforcer David Fifita to lead from the front against a formidable Maori pack in this month’s NRL All Stars clash.

All eyes in the league world will be on Townsville on February 20 when the Indigenous All Stars tackle the Maori All Stars at Country Bank Stadium.

The Maoris have assembled some of the NRL’s most fearsome forwards, including the Bromwich brothers, James Fisher-Harris and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, so Daley knows Fifita must be at his barnstorming best.

The 20-year-old was below his top form last season at Brisbane due to injury as the Broncos finished with the wooden spoon. But fuelled by Fifita’s fresh start at the Titans, Daley is expecting big things from a player described as the NRL’s most promising talent.

“I’m really looking forward to working with David as he is one of the most dynamic back-rowers in the game,” Daley said.

“Looking at the Maori forwards it’s going to be a big job to contain them, so we need all our forwards to contribute and work hard for one another.”

Daley has coached some of league’s greatest players, especially during his stint as NSW Blues Origin coach between 2013-2017.

As good as the likes of Paul Gallen, Jarryd Hayne and Robbie Farah were at their best, he believes there is something special about Fifita.

It’s why he is happy to have the Maroons enforcer on his side when his Indigenous All Stars meet the Maori All Stars.

“David is quick and has great footwork and gets himself in good positions to utilise his running game,” he said.

“I am sure he is excited to be a part of this game again and show Titans supporters what type of player they have on their hands.”

[Upthetits]

I'm really happy for fifita but I honestly hope he doesn't go to hard. He's had alot of time off through injury and I'd be absolutely livid if you know what were to happen...

[Mexican titan]

I'm really happy for fifita but I honestly hope he doesn't go to hard. He's had alot of time off through injury and I'd be absolutely livid if you know what were to happen...

Yes I agree. In fact I hope a cyclone or Tropical Low comes through around game day and washes it out. Our blokes should be proud in whatever Rep side they get picked for but I hate to see injuries in meaningless games like this one.

[ozynorts]

Yes I agree. In fact I hope a cyclone or Tropical Low comes through around game day and washes it out. Our blokes should be proud in whatever Rep side they get picked for but I hate to see injuries in meaningless games like this one.

It's funny as a lot of the fans see this as a meaningless game, me being one, but the players see it as very important which could lead to them going harder than we would like.
Hope none of our guys get hurt.

[DIEHARD]

'It feels mad': Herbert excited for All Stars debut
https://www.titans.com.au/news/2021/...l-stars-debut/

He is one of the new faces to join the Titans for season 2021 and already Patrick Herbert has earnt himself his first representative jumper, after being selected for the Maori Indigenous All Stars side.

The annual NRL All Stars match will take place in Townsville on 20 February and the Kiwi native is excited about his selection.

"It feels mad hey, I am a passionate Maori boy from New Zealand." Herbert said.

"All of my family are back home so its a chance for me to represent not just myself but my family and I am sure they will be proud."

Join Patrick Herbert in the Legion and become a Titans Member.

Born in Whakatane, New Zealand, Herbert started his senior rugby league career with the St George Illawarra Dragons, before moving to the New Zealand Warriors where he played 21 NRL matches across 2019-20, before joining the Titans ahead of season 2021 with the goal to claim the vacant right centre position.

The All Stars game will be his first match since joining the club and Titans fans will no doubt watch with a keen interest to see how their new recruit performs.

And, he may even line up opposite new teammate, Brian Kelly, who has been selected for the Indigenous All Stars.

"It's a good exhibition match for our first pre-season hit out and it is going to be against a passionate side, so its going to be a good game. Herbert said.

"It will be exciting (to play against Titans teammates).

"I have played against some when I was at the Warriors, so (it will be fun) to come up against them and see how we go.

"I am sure there will be a bit of banter, but we will shake hands after."

Herbert is settling in well to life at the Titans and, speaking from the team's Kingscliff camp last week, he expressed how excited he and his teammates are for the season-proper to kick off.

"I am loving it (at the Titans), all of the boys are very welcoming and we are all keen to start the season - I think we have a good platform to work from with the pre-season we have gone through.

"It will be good to hit round 1 now, hit the ground running." Herbert said.

[DIEHARD]

Kelly wants to fly with the Foxx in Indigenous team
http://www.nrl.com

First-time All Stars selection Brian Kelly's grin emerged when asked which Indigenous teammate the Titans centre was looking forward to partnering most on February 20.

A left-edge specialist in his own right, Kelly is hoping to spend some time next to Josh Addo-Carr in the Townsville fixture after four seasons of trying to chase down the flyer in the NRL.

Kelly has been included in the 20-man squad to play the Maori All Stars in Townsville after three years of being on the cusp of selection.

While he's likely to come off the interchange bench for Laurie Daley's outfit, Kelly is more than happy to take advantage of the unlimited interchanges in play.

"I haven't played with "the Foxx" before so it would be cool to get some games with him," Kelly said.

"I'm sure you'll be able to hear his funny laugh on and off the field. I also haven't played with Jack Wighton either so I'm looking forward to that as well.

"There are a few other faces I've played with like Latrell in the under 20s … it's just an exciting line-up and I'm looking forward to the camp.

"At first I didn't even know I was in the side. I was kicking back at a pool resort and got told I was 20th man so thought 'sweet, deadly'.

"I'm super proud to be named in the team and represent my tribe and community from back home.

"I'll definitely get some goosebumps and I'll try not to tear up."

A proud Bundjalung man, Kelly has been a fan of the All Stars concept since its inception in 2010.

He has often recalled his fondest memory of driving from his hometown Ballina to the Gold Coast as a teenager for the inaugural event.

"And when Wendell [Sailor] grabbed the corner post as a didgeridoo and Presto [Preston Campbell] was there as well," Kelly said.

"Even doing the school camps with some other players when they first had the All Stars ... I can't wait for the day to come."

Kelly and his Titans teammates have just returned from a three-day pre-season camp in Kingscliff as they ramp up preparations for their main trial game against the Warriors in Lismore.

For Northern Rivers Kelly, the trial will mark another pre-season event close to his family's heart.

"I was sitting at home in Mum's house and the ad for the game came on and my big head popped up and everyone was screaming at the TV.

"My nieces and nephews are always yelling 'uncle Bud' when I'm on the TV ... to have an NRL game in Lismore is exciting and I've definitely had a few ticket requests, I'm already booked out.

"Trials are a good gauge as to how your body is feeling and where you've pulled up after the pre-season."

[Mexican titan]

Unless they are able to make a quick escape from Melbourne it seems that 7 Storm players are now out of this game. Call it off.

[Titanic]

I think they can’t due to broadcasting agreements. I hope it doesn’t turn into a farce.

[DIEHARD]

Indigenous v Maori All Stars: Latrell back; Benji to debut
https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/02/13/...enji-to-debut/

A collection of the game's most exciting players will get men's footy started for 2021 when the Indigenous and Maori teams meet for the Harvey Norman All Stars.

Latrell Mitchell, Benji Marshall, Cody Walker, Jack Wighton and Jarome Luai are only a handful of the big names who will proudly represent their cultures at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville on February 20.

The Maori side, coached by David Kidwell, are reigning champions having beaten their counterparts 30-16 last year.

They possess a dangerous mix of power, skill and athleticism and will again be tough to overcome. But the blinding speed and ad-lib attacking instincts of Laurie Daley's Indigenous squad will give them hope of reclaiming the Arthur Beetson Trophy.

A capacity crowd of 25,000 is expected.

Indigenous All Stars: Storm flyer Josh Addo-Carr was ruled out of the match on Friday with Victoria's COVID-19 border closures.

Sharks captain Wade Graham withdrew from the initial squad due to a perforated eardrum which meant he couldn't fly. The back-rower was replaced by Manly forward Zac Saddler, who played in last year's fixture. Tyrell Fuimaono has been promoted to start.

Dynamic five-eighth Cody Walker is back after a shoulder injury ruled him out of the 2020 clash.

Latrell Mitchell will play his first game since suffering a hamstring injury for South Sydney in late August. He has been named at fullback, but coach Laurie Daley will monitor his workload. Rabbitohs teammate Alex Johnston can also capably fill the custodian's role.

Halfback Jamal Fogarty, hooker Reuben Cotter and bench players Cade Cust and Brian Kelly are set to make their All Stars debuts.

Maori All Stars: He's played 324 NRL games and represented New Zealand 31 times, and soon veteran South Sydney recruit Benji Marshall will add a Maori All Stars cap to his glittering rugby league resume.

The playmaking magician will come off the interchange with little brother Jeremy Marshall-King, while star Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai will debut in the halves.

The Maori All Stars have been hit hard by Friday's border closures in Victoria with Jesse and Kenny Bromwich, Reimis and Brandon Smith, Jahrome Hughes and Nelson Asofa-Solomona all ruled out of the match.

Titans leader Kevin Proctor withdrew from the team because of a hamstring injury, with Wests Tigers prop Zane Musgrove called up.

Raiders lynchpin Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will represent the Maori team for the first time, taking the fullback jumper from Kalyn Ponga, who wasn't considered as he recovers from shoulder surgery.

Roosters centre Joey Manu will make his maiden All Stars appearance, having been unavailable for the past two years with his club featuring in the World Club Challenge in England. Patrick Herbert and Bailey Simonsson are other debutants.

Key match-up
Cody Walker v Jarome Luai. Both intuitive, skillful five-eighths who are tailor-made for fast-placed, eyes-up play. Walker, a proud Bundjalung-Yuin man, was in sizzling touch for South Sydney last season as he set up tries galore, while Panthers gun Luai had an outstanding year in which he kept growing in confidence.

Stat Attack
Melbourne's Brandon Smith wants to become a full-time NRL hooker, and he gave a great account of himself in the Maori No.9 jersey last year. He suffered a facial fracture early in proceedings but played on to record 177 metres, 13 runs, four line-breaks, six tackle-breaks and two tries in a match-winning 59-minute performance.

Key Timings (AEST)
4.00pm – Gates open  
4.40pm – Kick-off: First quarter Indigenous Women's All-Stars v New Zealand Māori Ferns
5.17pm – Women's All Stars half-time 
6.06pm – Women's All Stars full-time
6:50pm – Pre-game entertainment commences
7.10pm – Kick-off:  Australian Indigenous Men's All-Stars v New Zealand Māori Kiwis  
8.01pm – Men's All Stars half-time  
9.07pm – Men's All Stars full-time
Transport and Parking
Walking is the best way to access the stadium precinct. The precinct is a short walk from the CBD (approx.1.2km), walk via:

[Titanic]

Corey Thompson added to the Indigenous All Stars. Congratulations to him and another potential heart attack for our fans. Soon it will be another Titans v Warriors trial.