- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
The NRL All Stars take on the Indigenous All Stars as the concept returns to the pre-season after being given a rest last year. Join The Roar from 7:30pm (AEDT) for live coverage and scores.
In 2014 the concept was given a rest because of the Rugby league World Cup and the Auckland Nines both being on. Now in 2015 we see the All Stars game return to the Gold Coast.
Ticket sales in the lead-up to this year’s game have reportedly been poor, however a big crowd is still being anticipated at Cbus Super Stadium.
Coached by Wayne Bennett, the NRL All Stars are a little under-strength, but have still named a very good squad. Missing the likes of Melbourne Storm trio Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater they will go into the game without what a lot of fans would consider their best squad. Included in this squad is Paul Gallen, who returns after being suspended over the Cronulla Sharks’ supplements scandal.
Youngsters such as Matt Moylan (Panthers), Dylan Walker (Rabbitohs), Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys) and Luke Brooks (Wests Tigers) are given the chance to perform in a game that carries a fair bit of weight.
Beau Scott (Knights) will captain the NRL All Stars ahead of the likes of Gallen, Nathan Friend and James Graham. The All Stars have powerful replacement players with the likes of Jeremy Smith (Knights), Trent Merrin (Dragons), Dave Taylor (Titans), Jesse Bromwich (Storm) and Corey Parker (Broncos) named on a seven-man bench.
Coached by Laurie Daley, the Indigenous All Stars have some of the best players in the game, as well as a player yet to taste first grade in Chris Grevsmuhl (Rabbitohs).
The indigenous side will be captained by Johnathan Thurston who is backed up by Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs), Justin Hodges (Broncos) and Will Chambers (Storm).
Plenty of young talent are turning out for the Indigenous All Stars such as Alex Johnston (Rabbitohs), Tyrone Peachey (Panthers), Kyle Turner (Rabbitohs), David Fifita (Sharks) and Jack Wighton (Raiders). The game will also be a chance for Ben Barba (Sharks) to show if he can return to his best this season after a less than impressive 2014 in Brisbane.
George Rose (Dragons) could be fighting for his career after a disappointing 2014 in Melbourne. He was picked up by the Dragons on a one-year contract and will have a lot to prove starting with the All Stars game.
The biggest match-up of the game is no doubt the battle of the fullbacks – Greg Inglis versus Matt Moylan, the experienced Origin and Australian player versus the incredibly talented youngster from Penrith. Both players could decide the outcome of the game.
If the NRL All Stars are to win expect them to utilise their forwards. The scary starting front row of James Graham and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is going to be a real handful for the Indigenous side.
If the Indigenous All Stars are to win it, expect Inglis and Thurston to combine beautifully.
Prediction: The NRL All Stars should be a fraction too strong for the Indigenous Side and so I’ll tip them to come out victors by 6 points.
The game promises to be a cracker, so join The Roar from 7:30pm (AEDT) for our live coverage. Remember to leave your thoughts throughout the game.