Indigenous superstars named; Manu set to shoulder the load in young Māori side
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The Māori All Stars will head into the 2023 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars without an established NRL half in their squad and with seven players set to play in the showpiece event for the first time.
Halfback and 2022 co-captain Kodi Nikorima is among the big names missing from the squad named today, with his omission, alongside that of Chanel Harris-Tavita who stepped away from the game at the end of last year, leaving new coach Ben Gardiner light on options in the No.6 and No.7 jerseys.
It means Roosters superstar Joey Manu will likely shoulder much of the responsibility when it comes to organising the side and coming up with plays on attack, with new Eels signing Daejarn Asi his likely starting halves partner.
The pair are dwarfed in experienced by an Indigenous side who boast reigning Dally M Medal winner Nicho Hynes, veterans Cody Walker and Jack Wighton, plus Broncos youngster Ezra Mam as their playmaking options.
Match Highlights: Maori v Indigenous
Along with his star halves, new Indigenous coach Ronald Griffiths has named big-name representative players Josh Addo-Carr, Latrell Mitchell and Selwyn Cobbo, in what looks set to be a lethal backline.
After missing out on last year's match, Latrell Mitchell will have the chance to take the field with his brother and Rabbitohs teammate Shaquai for the first time as an Indigenous All Star.
Addo-Carr, who captained the side last year, is joined by vastly experienced NRL players Ryan James and Tyrone Peachey.
Match: Maori v Indigenous
Round 1 -
home Team
Maori
away Team
Indigenous
Venue: Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua
Up front for the Māori the addition of Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargeaves, who has been named alongside fellow representative forwards Joseph Tapine and James Fisher-Harris, who both played last year, goes some way to offsetting the loss of Dolphins forward Kenny Bromwich and Warriors utility Jazz Tevaga.
