All Stars favourite: Fogarty backed for Indigenous jersey
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Gold Coast playmakers Jamal Fogarty and Ash Taylor are among a host of stars battling for positions in the Harvey Norman Indigenous All Stars side for the showcase event on February 20.
With fan voting to close on Friday, Fogarty leads Taylor in the halfback category with at least one of the pair in line to replace former teammate, Tyrone Roberts, in the line-up this year.
Fogarty has been a revelation since joining the Titans last season with the 27-year-old quickly promoted to the club captaincy under Justin Holbrook.
He looms as a strong candidate to line up alongside either Cody Walker or Jack Wighton in the halves, who are frontrunners for the five-eighth spot.
Taylor's availability for selection could hinge on recent hip and wrist surgeries. The club confirmed on Tuesday he had returned to training with the main group.
Match Highlights: Indigenous All Stars v Maori Ferns
Other hotly-contested areas for the Indigenous side include the backline make-up with Josh Addo-Carr and Latrell Mitchell the most popular choices.
Last year's winners, NZ Maori All-Stars, could have a change in the halves of their own with Panthers livewire Jarome Luai the clear fan-favourite for the No.6 jersey.
Luai and Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes lead the way in the playmaker categories, while Maori coach David Kidwell will need a replacement at fullback with Kalyn Ponga unavailable through injury.
Raiders fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is a clear front-runner according to the polls.
Match Highlights: Indigenous All Stars v Maori All Stars
All-Stars representative Dane Gagai, who is eligible for both line-ups but withdrew last year due to the difficulty of choosing a side, is again a popular choice in the polls but no guarantee to play in the match.
Fans can still vote on who they'd like to see play for each team before Indigenous coach Laurie Daley and Maori mentor David Kidwell determine the final squads for the clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Meanwhile, both the Indigenous All Stars and NZ Maori women's squads have hit the training paddock in preparation for their clash prior to the men's fixture in Townsville.
The Indigenous All-Stars were victorious with a 10-4 win over their rivals in the corresponding match last year.
Among the names to take the field again include NRLW stars Corban McGregor, Raecene McGregor, Botille Vette-Welsh, Shakiah Tungai and Tallisha Harden.
While there is no fan voting available for the women's match, teams are expected to be confirmed next month.
Indigenous War Cry
Highest polling players
Indigenous
- Fullback: Latrell Mitchell, Alex Johnston, Nicho Hynes
- Wing: Josh Addo-Carr, Blake Ferguson, Alex Johnston
- Centre: Jack Wighton, Brenko Lee, Brian Kelly
- Five-eighth: Cody Walker, Jack Wighton, Scott Drinkwater
- Halfback: Jamal Fogarty, Ash Taylor, Braydon Trindall
- Prop: Andrew Fifita, Josh Kerr, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
- Hooker: Connor Watson, Will Smith, Reuben Cotter
- Second Row: David Fifita, Wade Graham, Adam Elliott
- Lock: Wade Graham, Adam Elliott, Tyrone Peachey
Maori Haka
NZ Maori
- Fullback: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Bailey Simonsson
- Wing: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Reimis Smith, Jordan Rapana
- Centre: Joey Manu, Esan Marsters, Dylan Walker
- Five-eighth: Jarome Luai, Jahrome Hughes, Dylan Walker
- Halfback: Jarome Luai, Jahrome Hughes, Kodi Nikorima
- Prop: James Fisher-Harris, Jesse Bromwich, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
- Hooker: Brandon Smith, Jeremy Marshall-King
- Second Row: Kenny Bromwich, Corey Harawira-Naera, Kevin Proctor
- Lock: Joseph Tapine, Kevin Proctor, Briton Nikora
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