Debutants Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Jack Howarth make their mark on All Star, Maori clash

The stars of the show stole the headlines of the clash between Indigenous and Maori All Stars, but some unknown names stood up on the big stage and put the NRL on notice, JAMI ROBERTS writes.

Alofiana Khan-Pereira of the Indigenous All-Stars celebrates with his teammates after scoring a try during the NRL All-Stars match in Townsville. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images.

The big names stole the headlines but a host of young and emerging NRL stars have showed they have the ability and hunger to match it with rugby league’s best on All Stars weekend.

For every Latrell Mitchell and Jahrome Hughes on display, a Alofiana Khan-Pereira stood up to be counted.

Coaches will be forced to sit up and pay attention for round one selections while some non-contracted players proved they had what it takes to compete at the highest level.

INDIGENOUS DEBUTANTS

Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira made an impressive first appearance with a try on debut after some early hesitation on All Stars debut.

The Gold Coast flyer established himself early with several lengthy runs and an impressive aerial leap to deny a Maori try.

Alofiana Khan-Pereira of the Indigenous All-Stars celebrates with his teammates after scoring a try during the NRL All-Stars match in Townsville. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images.

A well executed try assist from Nicho Hynes put Khan-Pereira over the line to secure the rookie a try on debut.

Townsville Blackhawks utility Kyle Laybutt’s playmaking in the middle of the field was reminiscent of Isaah Yeo as he played a key role in Khan-Pereira’s try.

Cronulla halves Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes look to have a promising year at the Sharks after working together to steer Addo-Carr over the line for his second try and maintain their winning performance.

Meanwhile, Wayne Bennett can be impressed with last year’s mid-season recruit Josh Kerr produced a team high 124 running metres, which will do him favours in his bid for a spot in a stacked Dolphins forward pack.

Jack Howarth of the Maori All-Stars is tackled during the NRL All-Stars match. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images.

MAORI DEBUTANTS

Two Maori debutants came close to securing their first points in the green jersey but failed in the last few centimetres.

Melbourne Storm centre Jack Howarth put his eagerness on display after coming off the bench as he looked for every opportunity to get his hands on the ball.

A solid run during the second quarter left him centimetres from the line but a last-minute attempt to get over the line resulted in a double movement call from the bunker.

Broncos prop Xavier Willison came just as close, denied by a desperate try saving tackle on the goalline after a 20 metre scoop and run.

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters will have his hands full deciding which of Fletcher Baker and Willison will command first crack at filling outbound prop Tom Fleger’s jersey in Las Vegas.