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Kalyn Ponga vs Latrell Mitchell to headline next month’s NRL All Stars clash on the Gold Coast

Queensland whiz-kid Kalyn Ponga and recent Rabbitohs recruit Latrell Mitchell will go head-to-head in next month’s All Stars clash on the Gold Coast.

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Queensland whiz-kid Kalyn Ponga and recent Rabbitohs recruit Latrell Mitchell will go head-to-head in next month’s highly-anticipated All Stars clash on the Gold Coast.

The NRL has this afternoon unveiled the squads for the Indigenous and Maori squads ahead of the star-studded match at Cbus Super Stadium on February 22.

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Latrell Mitchell looks set to play fullback for the Indigenous All Stars. Picture: AAP.
Latrell Mitchell looks set to play fullback for the Indigenous All Stars. Picture: AAP.

Ponga has been selected for the Maori All Stars side alongside the likes of Storm giant Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Warriors halfback Kodi Nikorima.

Ponga will this year line up at fullback for the Maori side after he was played at five-eighth in last year’s match.

Maori All Stars coach David Kidwell said the No.1 jersey was where Ponga played best.

“Kalyn will be playing at fullback and that contest with Latrell Mitchell … it will be the price of admission for itself to see,” Kidwell said.

“Kalyn will definitely be playing at fullback. He’s young, skilful, he’s dynamic.

“I think that’s his best position. That’s where he’s most comfortable. He can swing both sides of the field.”

Indigenous All Stars coach Laurie Daley has named Mitchell in his side, as well as Brisbane sensation David Fifita and Melbourne flyer Josh Addo-Carr.

Mitchell is also set to line up in the fullback role for the Indigenous All Stars, despite not playing in the No.1 jersey since his debut year in 2016.

Daley said he never hesitated in his decision to play the South Sydney recruit at fullback in the upcoming All Stars match.

“I didn’t (hesitate) because the votes suggested he always play at fullback,” Daley said on NRL.com.

The Indigenous All Stars will look to make it two in a row, after winning the 2019 All Stars clash. Picture: Getty Images.
The Indigenous All Stars will look to make it two in a row, after winning the 2019 All Stars clash. Picture: Getty Images.

“Fitness wise, I hope he’s up to speed.

“I say he won’t be there for the whole 80 minutes. Depending how he goes, he might have a spell.

“I’ve done it with Greg Inglis before. Those outside backs I tell them they might share it around.

“I’m looking forward to having Latrell there. He could be the best player in the competition if he wants to be. Hopefully he’s set for a big year.”

Daley’s squad are looking to defend their 34-14 win over the Maori side from last year’s fixture in Melbourne.

Only Maori selection Esan Masters remains under an injury cloud for the match after suffering an ankle injury towards the end of last year.

It will be the first time the All Stars exhibition will be played on the Gold Coast since its inception a decade ago and just the second time the Indigenous side play the Maori All Stars - who replaced the World All Stars team in the previous encounters.

The ARL Commission is also likely to make a decision next week on whether to scrap the performance of national anthems before the All Stars match.

Several players snubbed the singing of Advance Australia Fair before last year’s match in Melbourne and is likely to do the same again this year.

The contentious issues is likely to be discussed during the upcoming ARL Commission meeting on February 6.

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Cody Walker was a standout for the Indigenous All Stars in 2019. Picture: AAP.
Cody Walker was a standout for the Indigenous All Stars in 2019. Picture: AAP.

INDIGENOUS MEN

Josh Curran

Josh Addo-Carr

Adam Elliott

Blake Ferguson

Andrew Fifita

David Fifita

Wade Graham

Ryan James

Josh Kerr

Alex Johnston

Latrell Mitchell

Tyrone Peachey

Nathan Peats

Jesse Ramien

James Roberts

Tyrone Roberts

Joel Thompson

Cody Walker

Connor Watson

Jack Wighton

Kalyn Ponga will likely move back to fullback, after playing five-eighth for Mäori All Stars in 2019. Picture: AAP.
Kalyn Ponga will likely move back to fullback, after playing five-eighth for Mäori All Stars in 2019. Picture: AAP.

MAORI MEN

Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Adam Blair

Jesse Bromwich

Kenneath Bromwich

Corey Harawira-Naera

Jahrome Hughes

Issac Luke

Esan Marsters

Briton Nikora

Kodi Nikorima

Kalyn Ponga

Kevin Proctor

Bailey Simonsson

Brandon Smith

Brad Takairangi

James Tamou

Zane Tetevano

Dylan Walker

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

Malakai Watene Zelezniak

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INDIGENOUS WOMEN

Jasmine Allende

Shaylee Bent

Nakia Davis-Welsh

Quincy Dodd

Layla Fauid

Tallisha Harden

Jennie-Sue Hoepper

Caitlan Johnson

Bobbi Law

Tanika Marshall

Steph Mooka

Kelsey Parkin

Kaitlyn Phillips

Shaniah Power

Rhiannon Revell-Blair

Simone Smith

Shakiah Tungai

Rebecca Young

MAORI WOMEN

Harata Butler

Sarina Clark

Tanika Jazz Bell-Noble

Laishon Jones

Amber Kani

Kerehitina Matua

Raecene McGregor

Corban McGregor

Capri Paekau

Krystal Rota

Christyl Stowers

Kiana Takairangi

Jonsal Tautari

Botille Vette-Welsh

Maddison Weatherall

Geneva Webber

Kathleen Wharton

Kat Wira-Kohu

Originally published as Kalyn Ponga vs Latrell Mitchell to headline next month’s NRL All Stars clash on the Gold Coast

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/kalyn-ponga-latrell-mitchell-to-headline-next-months-nrl-all-stars-clash-on-the-gold-coast/news-story/27232afb56a8f3c7dcbd7463241f9e9b