In 2010, the NRL adopted their own version of an all-stars concept which pitted a fan-voted squad involving at least one player per club against an Australian Indigenous team.
Eventually this annual event developed into a meaningful game between Australian Indigenous and New Zealand Māori, with their upcoming match being played on Saturday 20th February at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, shelving the fan-voted NRL team for good.
With it being the tenth edition of the all-stars this season, I thought I’d pay homage to the original concept, throw my own spin on it, and select a team that would reflect a true NRL all-stars line-up for 2021.
The selection process will maintain that only one player per club can be chosen in their relevant positions although any NRL player can be selected, including players with Indigenous or Māori heritage.
Below is what I call my All-Stars Ultimate XVII:
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors)
2. Josh Addo-Carr (Storm)
3. Kotoni Staggs (Broncos)
4. Joseph Manu (Roosters)
5. David Nofoaluma (Tigers)
6. Shaun Johnson (Sharks)
7. Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles)
8. Josh Papalii (Raiders)
9. Cameron McInnes (Dragons)
10. James Fisher-Harris (Panthers)
11. Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs)
12. Tyson Frizell (Knights)
13. Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys)
14. AJ Brimson (Titans)
15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner (Bulldogs)
16. Ryan Matterson (Eels)
17. (wildcard)
Now, selecting this team was very difficult due to the amount of talent excluded. I found that clubs with higher representation in multiple positions meant that a handful of quality players were not going to make the cut and would have to cater for those clubs with low representation.
It meant that certain positions needed to be filled by players from clubs with minimal representation and at times may have excluded a player from another club considered to be better than the one selected.
As such, I broke down the listed players by club representation:
* Melbourne Storm (13)
* Sydney Roosters (11)
* South Sydney Rabbitohs (10)
* Parramatta Eels (9)
* Gold Coast Titans (9)
* Newcastle Knights (8)
* Penrith Panthers (8)
* Canberra Raiders (8)
* Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (5)
* Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (5)
* New Zealand Warriors (5)
* Brisbane Broncos (5)
* Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (4)
* St George Illawarra Dragons (2)
* North Queensland Cowboys (1)
* Wests Tigers (1)
With the listed players totalling at 104, I then grouped them into their relevant positions in an effort to reflect the amount of quality that missed selection in my All-Stars Ultimate XVII.
In no particular order, the players below are whom I believe are worthy of being listed as the top-tier in their position but weren’t selected:
Fullback
James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Kalyn Ponga, Clinton Gutherson, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Latrell Mitchell.
(Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Wing
Daniel Tupou, Ken Maumalo, David Fusitu’a, Brett Morris, Alex Johnston, Maika Sivo, Brian To’o, Phillip Sami, Xavier Coates, Sione Katoa.
Centre
Stephen Crichton, Josh Morris, Zac Lomax, Justin Olam, Jarrod Croker, Nick Cotric, Dane Gagai, Brian Kelly, Bradman Best, Jesse Ramien.
Five Eighth
Cameron Munster, Jack Wighton, Luke Keary, Cody Walker, Jarome Luai, Dylan Brown, Kurt Mann, Ash Taylor, Kieran Foran.
Halfback
Nathan Cleary, Adam Reynolds, Mitchell Moses, Jahrome Hughes, Mitchell Pearce, George Williams, Jamal Fogarty, Kyle Flanagan.
Lock
Jake Trbojevic, Isaah Yeo, Victor Radley, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Jai Arrow, Dale Finucane, Nathan Brown, Joseph Tapine, Mitchell Barnett, Patrick Carrigan, Adam Elliott, Toby Rudolf.
Second Row
Tevita Pangai-Junior, Viliame Kikau, David Fifita, Tohu Harris, Angus Crichton, Felise Kaufusi, Elliott Whitehead, Jadyn Su’A, Kenny Bromwich, Kevin Proctor.
Prop
Payne Haas, Addin Fonua-Blake, Jesse Bromwich, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Junior Paulo, Daniel Saifiti, David Klemmer, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Christian Welch, Moeaki Fotuiaka, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Martin Taupau, Luke Thompson, Junior Tatola.
Hooker
Damien Cook, Apisai Koroisau, Josh Hodgson, Harry Grant, Brandon Smith, Jake Friend, Reed Mahoney.
Regardless of these constraints, the All-Stars Ultimate XVII team that I have created is very strong and oozes talent across the park, including five Australian Kangaroos, four New Zealand Kiwis, two Toa Samoans, two Mate Ma’a Tongans, one Queenslander and two emerging Blues players.
I encourage anyone and everyone to create their own all-stars line-up with this criterion to try and match or surpass one as formidable as the one I made.
There is no questioning how challenging it is considering the amount of quality the NRL has to offer.
Kick n Clap
Guest
Harry, Not underrated in my opinion. I remember him making his debut for Bradford Bulls. Very good ball playing backrower. Would one of first in my my Team Sheets. Heart like a Lion & great defender. Definitely in my top 3 backrowers in the comp. I think Kenny B has come on leaps and bounds too. Same goes for another “Bradford lad.” Tom Burgess was very consistent too for Rabbits. Shame about John Bateman going back to SL. I think he will regret it , but COVID certainly did help with his family not been able to see him regularly?
MALEK
Roar Rookie
Howzit Dan. Thanks for being impressed! :thumbup: Haha yeah, all in alright, lets say League has been a passion of mine, since grass roots back in NZ(30+yrs ago) Didn't realise emojis changed, now I know. Team 3 was my first I jotted down (3,4,2,1) have to agree with you though, team 3 spine is much better and bench over team 4. However, have come up with "My Ultimate"(not naming any of your team) and another team based off Dally M team, yours and others.... Ultimate...I.M.O 1. Tedesco (Roosters) 2. Johnson (RABBITOHS) 3. Lomax (Dragons) 4. Cotric (Bulldogs) 5. Holmes (Cowboys) 6. Munster (Storm) 7. Cleary (Panthers) 8. Haas (Broncos) 9. Hodgeson (Raiders) 10. D.Safiti (Knights) 11. D.Fifita (Titans) 12. T.Harris (Warriors) 13. J.Trbojevic (Manly) 14. Graham (Sharks) 15. Paulo (Eels) 16. Tamou (Tigers) 17. Player Coach....All have played Internationally footy, with the exemption of Fifita(P.M XIII) and Lomax(NSW squad 2020) Hard to beat experience.....handy bench and even better spine! Dally M/Mix 1. Gutho (Eels) 2. Nofoaluma (Tigers) 3. Staggs (Broncos) 4. Manu (Roosters) 5. J.A.C (Storm) 6. Wighton (Raiders) or S.Johnson (Sharks) 7. Cleary (Panthers) or D.C.E (Manly) 8. Taupau (Manly) or Papalii (Raiders) 9. McInnes (Dragons) 10. D.Safiti (Knights) or J.F.H ( Panthers) 11. D.Fifita/Tino (Titans) 12. T.Harris (Warriors) 13. J.T (Cowboys) 14. Murray (RABBITOHS) 15. R.F.M/Napa (Bulldogs) 16. Rudolf/Uele (Sharks) or D.Safiti (Knights) 17. Player Coach Think I might give NRL Fantasy a go this season....go the Bunnies!! ( and yes I'm a NSW supporter, carn da blues!! )
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Agree - John Bateman understandably received a lot of raps in his first year for the Raiders but in terms of consistency and creativity Elliot's the man. Can hardly remember a bad or quiet game that he played - maybe one or two out of over 120. He has those little touches in setting up or finishing a play that some may not see. Smart as well as tough player.
mushi
Roar Guru
Humble apologies thought they were doing both formats. My error. So to address your original point, most other sports don't really care about the all star aspect anyway. It was created to try and lift interest during a down period and is pretty rubbish in most sports it's engrained in. If it means something to the two teams playing then we're miles ahead
Daniel John
Roar Pro
Hi Malek, wow you really went in with this one i am impressed! I think your best lineup is Number 3 for sure!
Daniel John
Roar Pro
Hi Sammy, when I say passion has been brought to the game, I say that meaning that these two First Nations teams play this game with purpose, with meaning. . Players in these squads have a week-long build up to this game, learning and refreshing the traditions of their culture. When they run out on game day the players feel there is something to play for - their heritage. . With the original concept of an NRL all-stars team, those boys were thrown together out of popularity and didn’t have the same “passion” as the Indigenous nor the Māori that have taken their place. Hence why I suggest expanding the concept to Pacific Islands and Great Britain teams. . At no point do I mention this game being divisive with hatred.
Nat
Roar Guru
I think I've seen Whitehead on the Footy Show once. He was doing the selfie thing from under his chin and I didn't get a word of it.
Sammy
Guest
I disagree with your statement that having two indigenous teams has brought "passion" to the game. The game is a celebration of the wonderful contribution by indigenous players. Its is not about celebrating the supremacy of one particular race nor is it about encouraging hatred and division. Its a celebration and it's great to watch, but I really don't think it matters who wins at the end - its more about how the teams played. People often criticize sports where teams are created by either capitalism or geo-politics, but you have to admit that political boundaries are inclusive and don't inherently create or promote racial division.
MALEK
Roar Rookie
Nice strong team Daniel. Got the brain ticking and have come up with 4 teams. Trying not to name any of your selections( though teams#3&4 have a few????♂️** ) Also didnt want to use same players in each team...leessssgo the mighty Cardinal&Myrtle!! BUNNIES 2021! Team#1 (Weakest, if you can say that?) 1. Ponga (Knights) (K) 2. Sivo (Eels) 3. Olam (Storm) 4. Hiku (Warriors) 5. To'o (Panthers) 6. Walker (RABBITOHS) 7. Hunt (Dragons) 8. J.W.H (Roosters) 9. McCullough (Broncos) (C) 10. Fotuiaka (Titans) 11. Nikoura (Sharks) 12. Sironen (Manly) 13. Tapine (Raiders) 14. Luke Thompson (Bulldogs) 15. Mikaele/Ofehengaue (Tigers) 16. Hess (Cowboys) 17.Player Coach Team#2 1. Papenhuyzen (Storm) 2. Tupou (Roosters) 3. Cotric (Bulldogs) 4. Gagai (RABBITOHS) (K)* 5. Coates (Broncos) 6. Brown (Eels) 7. Williams (Raiders) 8. A.F.B (Warriors) 9. Koroisau (Panthers)(k) old firm...1,2 punch 10. Taupau (Manly) 11. D.Fifita (Titans) 12. Graham (Sharks) (C) 13. Barnett (Knights) 14. L.Leilua/Mbye (Tigers) 15. T.Sims (Dragons) 16. McLean (Cowboys) 17. Player Coach Team #3 1. Tedesco (Roosters) (Co C) 2. Johnson (RABBITOHS) 3. Ramien (Sharks) 4. Kelly (Titans) 5. Maumalo (Warriors) 6. Munster (Storm) 7. Cleary (Panthers) (K) 8. Paulo (Eels) 9. McInnes????♂️(Dragons) 10. D. Safiti (Knights) 11. T.P.Jnr (Broncos) 12. Whitehead (Raiders) (Co C) 13. J.Trbojevic (Manly) 14. R.F.M????♂️(Bulldogs) 15. Twal (Tigers) 16. Taumalolo (Cowboys) 17. Player coach explains rotation of his team. 20mins intense play T.P.Jnr replaced by R.F.M who remains at 2nd row for entirety of game. 25th min Twal+JT..(plays like his 2nd stints as sting out of game) replace starting props Paulo+Safiti. J.Trbojevic pushes up to prop. 55-60th minute starting props replace Twal+Trbojevic. T.P.Jnr could replace JT in last 20 mins of maddness!!!???? Team#4 Mobile big pack with big motors, agility and exp. Could give your team a run for your money..#3 also. 1. Tommy Turbo (Manly) 2. Katoa (Sharks) or Nofoaluma????♂️(Tigers)** 3. Lomax (Dragons) (k) 4. Crichton (Panthers) 5. Holmes (Cowboys) 6. Wighton (Raiders) 7. Reynolds (RABBITOHS) (K)(C) 8. Haas (Broncos) 9. Grant (Storm) 10. Taukeiaho (Roosters) (k) 11. Frizell????♂️(Knights) or Jackson (Bulldogs)* 12. Tohu Harris (Warriors) 13. Big Tino (Titans) 14. Elliot (Bulldogs) or Watson (Knights)* 15. R.C.G (Eels) 16. Tamau (Tigers) or Rudolf (Sharks)** 17. Player Coach....smiling???????? Could name a 5th ULTIMATE from these 4 and your own, but will leave it at that....thoughts??
gabriel sadaraka
Guest
my team 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Kotoni Stagg 4. Dan Gagai 5. David Nofoaluma 6. Jarome Luai 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. David Safiti 9. Brendon Smith 10. Christian Welch 11. Villiame Kikau 12. David Fifita 13. Tino Faasuamaleui
fr4d
Guest
Funny how the only obvious consistency is everyone has Taumalolo at 13. Probably a combo of how good he is, and how the cowboys are lacking a bit of star quality outside of him.
Sam
Guest
No they're not, it's Indigenous vs Maori which means Teddy and Munster aren't allowed to play because they're the wrong race
Sam
Guest
Rubbish, you can celebrate a culture without excluding others. I celebrate Chinese New Year with my Asian friends and Divali with my Indian friends, they don't tell me I can't participate because I'm not from their race. International games are based on nationality, not race, you can be from any racial background and represent your country.
Jiks Kalas
Roar Rookie
Well, btw. :thumbup: :thumbup: thank you
Daniel John
Roar Pro
That’s more like it, and another unique lineup! I haven’t seen any identical yet!
Harry
Guest
Yeah I don't think there's anyone who watches the NRL regularly who doesn't rate him highly as a player, but then whenever discussions come up about the best second-rowers in the comp (or even the best performers in any given game) he tends to get forgotten about. I guess second-rowers in general don't get a lot of accolades unless they're running riot in the Kikau or David Fifita mode and Whitehead tends to go about his job more quietly and subtly than that - but arguably more consistently, too. As a Raiders fan I wouldn't trade him for anyone.
Jiks Kalas
Roar Rookie
Got it. Let's see this one. 1.James Tedesco 2. Brian To'o 3.Kotoni Staggs 4.Justin Olam 5.Maika Sivo 6.Cody Walker 7.DCE 8.Josh Papali 9.Cameron McInnes 10.David Klemer 11.David Fifita 12.Raymond Fatila-Marina 13.Jason Taumalolo 14.Kodi Nikorima 15.Braden Hamlin-Uele 16.Joe Ofahengaue 17. Wildcard
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
"not as TV savvy"? You mean doesn't perform for the cameras like some? Elliot is certainly no frills and as hard as nails. Some of the blokes he's crunched have been put on the injury list for a while. He's also a bit of a performer behind the camera interviewing players after games which you can see on the Raiders website. Quite amusing but you need an interpreter to understand half of what he's saying - but a bit easier to understand than John Bateman who may as well have been speaking Mandarin!
Daniel John
Roar Pro
Hi Jiks, although a good lineup it wouldn’t fit the All-Stars criterion for one player per NRL club + 1 wildcard. Looks like you have doubles/triples of players from Manly, Melbourne, Roosters, Titans and Warriors.
Gordy
Roar Rookie
Definately not as easy as first thought, but was still enjoyable trying to put forward a squad that would not only be tough up the middle but also have that speed and flair outside coupled with the brains steering the ship.