Latrell Mitchell headlines attacking juggernaut for the Indigenous All Stars
One of the greatest attacking sides ever assembled will hit the field when the Indigenous All Stars take on the Maori All Stars.
NRL
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Superstar trio Latrell Mitchell, Josh Addo-Carr and Nicho Hynes headline a strong Indigenous side for next week’s All Stars game in Townsville against a Maori team that is out to avenge last year’s defeat.
While there are several big-name stars missing – including hat-trick hero Selwyn Cobbo from the side that won 28-24 last year – Ronald Griffiths has still named a terrific squad which features a backline that could just about be the fastest we’ve ever seen.
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Addo-Carr will be joined by Titans speedster Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, with Hynes, Mitchell and Cody Walker there to ensure a stack of points are scored in Townsville.
Ezra Mam won’t be there, with the recently re-signed Bronco hoping to feature in next year’s event.
“It is a little niggle in my groin. It is not too serious. I will be back on the field,” Mam said on Wednesday.
“I had to manage my load a bit. I put all my trust in the performance staff at the club.
“It was disappointing to pull out of it for the second year now but who knows, it could be third time lucky next year.
“Hopefully I can play in the game. It has always been a big goal to represent my culture on the big stage.”
The Maori side will again have an edge in the forwards with Raiders star Joseph Tapine leading a pack that includes Briton Nikora, Leo Thompson and Brandon Smith, while Storm vice-captain Jahrome Hughes is on deck to create space for his outside men.
The match is a cultural celebration that will also provide players with a genuine pre-season contest just weeks out from round one, with guys like Mitchell and Walker set to miss the Charity Shield for the annual event.
“It brings an aura around it,” Indigenous icon Greg Inglis said when asked how important the match is.
“It’s about making sure people understand the community and who they’re playing for. They may have their own personal people they want to play for, but when you’re in there as a collective, for most people playing, this is the pinnacle.
“They get a better understanding and appreciation of who they are.
“When their phone gets flooded with phone calls and messages and stuff like that, I think that’s when it really hits them.”
Meanwhile, Inglis has backed Matt Ballin to fill Cameron Smith’s massive boots as Queensland assistant coach in this year’s State of Origin series.
Inglis scored a try in Ballin’s only Origin appearance 14 years ago – a 28-24 win over NSW – and is confident the former hooker will play a key role in Billy Slater’s coaching staff with Smith moving on.
“He’s a big loss, but at the same time, you’re replacing him with someone who’s been there,” he said.
“What Cam Smith has done for Queensland, no one will ever probably top that in my lifetime.
“But if there was anybody else to take his job, then Matty’s the man.
“I know that he’ll come in and do his job well.
“Everyone at Brisbane speaks highly of him, and everyone who’s worked with him or worked under him speaks highly of Matty.
“He thoroughly deserves his spot here.
“He’ll do everything down to a tee and make sure that he’s doing his job to perfection with what Bill wants.”
Indigenous All Stars (men): Josh Addo-Carr, Jacob Alick, Bailey Biondi-Odo, Bailey Butler, Josh Curran, Adam Elliott, Jordan Grant, J’maine Hopgood, Nicho Hynes, Josh Kerr, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Latrell Mitchell, Shaquai Mitchell, Kierran Moseley, Hohepa Puru, Kotoni Staggs, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Isaiah Tass, Braydon Trindall, Cody Walker
Maori All Stars (men): Jessie Arthars, Kenny Bromwich, Dane Gagai, Jacob Gagai, Jack Howarth, Jahrome Hughes, Royce Hunt, Te Maire Martin, Trey Mooney, Briton Nikora, Kodi Nikorima, Adam Pompey, Joseph Tapine, Jazz Tevaga, Leo Thompson, Matthew Timoko, Brandon Smith, Dylan Walker, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Xavier Willison
Originally published as Latrell Mitchell headlines attacking juggernaut for the Indigenous All Stars
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