Friday, January 29, 2010
The stage has been set for the inaugural Harvey Norman All Stars match on February 13 with the announcement today of an NRL All Stars side that brings together some of the game’s biggest names in one team for the first ever time.
Wayne Bennett couldn’t hide the smile as he unveiled a side that features Billy Slater, Israel Folau, Benji Marshall, Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith, Dave Taylor, Jarryd Hayne, Kurt Gidley and a star from every NRL team.
NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, joined the NRL All Stars coach along with Marshall and Taylor to end two months of public voting and to signal an historic start to the 2010 Rugby League season.
The NRL All Stars team to take on the Indigenous All Stars at Skilled Park on February 13 is:
Player
Club
1. Billy Slater
Melbourne Storm
2. Israel Folau
Brisbane Broncos
3. Michael Jennings
Penrith Panthers
4. Matt Cooper
St George Illawarra Dragons
5. Manu Vatuvei
New Zealand Warriors
6. Darren Lockyer *
Brisbane Broncos
7. Benji Marshall *
Wests Tigers
8. Adam Blair *
Melbourne Storm
9. Cameron Smith *
Melbourne Storm
10. Dave Taylor
South Sydney Rabbitohs
11. Anthony Watmough
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
12. Gareth Ellis
Wests Tigers
13. Luke O’Donnell
North Queensland Cowboys
14. Kurt Gidley
Newcastle Knights
15. Anthony Tupou
Cronulla Sharks
16. Nate Myles
Sydney Roosters
17. Alan Tongue
Canberra Raiders
18. Luke Bailey
Gold Coast Titans
19. Josh Morris
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
20. Jarryd Hayne
Parramatta Eels
* Automatically selected players
The team will assemble on Sunday, February 7, with its first public appearance at Blacktown on Monday, February 8.
“With the names unveiled today the fans have certainly delivered an amazing side for the Harvey Norman All Stars match,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.
“The prospect of Darren Lockyer, Jarryd Hayne and Benji Marshall together against players like Johnathan Thurston, Greg Inglis, Scott Prince and Preston Campbell is an incredible one for every sports fan.
“Over the last few months, 50,000 voters have made it clear that these are the players the fans want to see and I think everyone is now counting down the days to kick-off.”
NRL All Stars coach Wayne Bennett points to the strike power of both teams in predicting a showcase of League’s speed and skill:
“There might be only two points in it at the end but I can tell you that with the players on these two teams we won’t be looking at a 10-8 score line.
“Players on both sides are genuinely excited about the chance to play together and they’ve all got plenty of pride, they are going to want show what they can do.
“I certainly think the fans have done a great job in selecting both teams.”
The Indigenous All Stars team was named on November 20 and is:
Player
Club
Blake Ferguson
Cronulla Sharks
Carl Webb
North Queensland Cowboys
Cory Paterson
Newcastle Knights
Daine Laurie
Penrith Panthers
George Rose
Manly Sea Eagles
Greg Inglis
Melbourne Storm
Jamal Idris
Canterbury Bulldogs
Jamie Soward
St George Illawarra Dragons
Jharal Yow Yeh
Brisbane Broncos
Joel Thompson
Canberra Raiders
Johnathan Thurston
North Queensland Cowboys
Nathan Merritt
South Sydney Rabbitohs
PJ Marsh
Brisbane Broncos
Preston Campbell ©
Gold Coast Titans
Sam Thaiday
Brisbane Broncos
Scott Prince
Gold Coast Titans
Travis Waddell
Canberra Raiders
Tom Learoyd-Lahrs
Canberra Raiders
Wendell Sailor
St George Illawarra Dragons
Yileen Gordon
Canterbury Bulldogs
As well as providing one of the most talked about Rugby League season openers ever, the match is on track deliver $1.5 million to 2010 community projects, with a particular focus on Indigenous areas.
“It’s a real example of the clubs and the players coming together to help their community,” Mr Gallop said.
“As well as providing some great entertainment, the match will have a lasting legacy through One Community and Indigenous education programmes.
“The spirit in which the game comes together on the second anniversary of the Prime Minister’s apology to the Stolen Generation underlines the way Rugby League brings people together to celebrate the best in Australian sport.”
If one of the newly-appointed NRL All Stars announced today is unable to play in the Harvey Norman All Stars match, he will be replaced by someone from the bench.
Another player, from the injured player’s club, will fill the bench spot – the new player having recorded the second highest number of votes from that club, either as a forward, back or utility, depending on the position needed for the bench.
While public seating is sold out, there are still a number of corporate packages and seats available for the game. Ticket enquiries can made through Ticketek outlets, on 132 849 or
www.ticketek.com.au.
Corporate packages are available through the Gold Coast Titans office on 07 5581 0199.
