All Stars team announced

Friday 29th January 2010

Above: NRL All Stars coach Wayne Bennett

The first ever NRL All Stars side - voted for by fans - has been announced for the season-opener against an Indigenous All Stars at Gold Coast's Skilled Park on February 13.

The side includes West Tigers' England international Gareth Ellis and brings together some of the game's biggest names in one team. 

The NRL All Stars coach Wayne Bennett unveiled a side including 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 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, 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."

Meanwhile the NRL say that 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.  

The NRL All Stars team is: 

 * Automatically selected players 

The Indigenous All Stars team was named on November 20 and is: