Harvey Norman All Stars: Māori & Indigenous Team Lists Revealed | NRL 2024

FMG Stadium Waikato will host the Harvey Norman All Stars this Sunday, with both the Men’s and Women’s teams now confirmed. The annual fixture, a highlight of the pre-season rugby league calendar, promises a compelling clash between the Māori All Stars and the Indigenous All Stars.

Women’s All Stars: Māori and Indigenous Squads Confirmed

The Māori Women’s All Stars side will see New Warriors signing Gayle Broughton start at fullback, a significant boost to their backline. Alongside her, Roosters ace Corban Baxter will line up in the centres, partnering with Kiwi Fern Shanice Parker. The team’s attacking prowess will be further bolstered by prolific winger Payton Takimoana, who scored an impressive 15 tries in 11 appearances last season and local Waikato product Tenika Willison. The forward pack will feature the return of Mya Hill-Moana after a period away due to pregnancy, alongside veteran Māori representative Kennedy Cherrington, under the guidance of coach John Strange.

The Indigenous Women’s All Stars, coached by Jess Skinner, have named a strong forward pack designed to challenge their Māori rivals. Caitlan Johnston-Green returns to the side to partner Keilee Joseph in the front row, providing a solid foundation. With Olivia Kernick sidelined, the back row will feature the experienced Tallisha Harden alongside Shaylee Bent, who missed last year’s game due to injury. New Raiders recruit Krystal Blackwell and Titans tryscoring rookie Phoenix-Raine Hippi will make their All Stars debuts on the wing, while fellow Titan Jaime Chapman moves to the centres. Sharks young gun Jada Taylor returns to the side as fullback.

Men’s All Stars: Warriors Representation Strong in Māori Lineup

The Māori Men’s All Stars team boasts a strong Warriors presence, with star Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad set to start at five-eighth, partnering teammate Te Maire Martin in the halves. This duo is among five Warriors players selected for the Māori team, highlighting the club’s contribution to the representative side. Co-captain James Fisher-Harris will lead from lock, while winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and second-rower Jacob Laban are also new additions to the squad. Six members of the New Zealand team that won last year’s Pacific Cup final against Samoa are included: Nicholl-Klokstad, Keano Kini (starting at fullback), Fisher-Harris, Briton Nikora, and Martin. Panthers centre Casey McLean also features in this group.

The Māori forward pack will be anchored by Bulldogs recruit Leo Thompson and his replacement at the Knights, former Raiders prop Trey Mooney, who will start in the front row. Manly’s Zach Dockar-Clay will take on the role of hooker.

Indigenous Men’s All Stars: New Captain and Debutants

The Indigenous Men’s All Stars will see Dolphins gun Trai Fuller take over the fullback role from Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. Nicho Hynes returns to the side and will captain the team, a significant honour for the Sharks halfback. Hynes will partner with Sharks teammate Braydon Trindall, both having missed last year due to commitments in Las Vegas. Jayden Campbell, who debuted last year as five-eighth, moves to the bench, providing versatility for coach Ronald Griffiths.

Jack Wighton returns at centre and will become the most capped men’s Indigenous player, with nine appearances, a testament to his consistent selection and commitment to the team. Griffiths has named six debutants in his 20-man squad, including North Sydney Bears lock Caleb Tohi, who replaces injured Wests Tigers forward Ethan Roberts. Redcliffe Dolphins hooker Brent Woolf and Titans-contracted rake Ollie Pascoe, both yet to make their NRL debuts, also earn their first All Stars selections.

The All Stars match provides a crucial platform for players to showcase their talent ahead of the upcoming NRL season, and this year’s squads promise a thrilling contest at FMG Stadium Waikato. The game is not only a celebration of Indigenous and Māori culture but also a vital opportunity for players to gain valuable experience and build momentum for the challenges ahead.