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Semi Radradra is passionate about representing his culture at the All Stars.

It simmers beneath his muscle-bound surface but Eels winger Semi Radradra has promised to bring pride and passion to a World All Stars team now infused with a greater international flavour.

The change in selection criteria for the World All Stars team this year will see players representing Australia, New Zealand, England, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Samoa that will spark interest particularly in the Pacific nations.

Given his exploits for Parramatta over the past three seasons, Radradra has become a household name throughout Fiji.

While he may try to deflect and suggest that Newcastle's Akuila Uate remains Fiji's No.1 rugby league idol, Radradra is more and more conscious of the influence he is having on people back home, particularly young children.

A major motivating force for the Indigenous All Stars players is the opportunity to represent their people but Radradra insists it is a mantra he will also be taking into the game.

"I feel like a role model in Fiji now," says the 23-year-old who is joined by fellow Fijian Test representative Kane Evans in the World All Stars team.

"All us Fijian players playing here, everyone will be looking up to us when we go back home and it's a really special thing for us to be in this position and setting an example to the young kids.

"It is a privilege and an honour to be selected in this All Stars team and I'm really looking forward to it.

"This game is how to bring everyone together and I am a proud Fijian and I am happy to be selected to be a player in this team."

Fittingly, Radradra was on his home island of Taveuni when news of his selection came through.

Far more surprising than his call-up by coach Wayne Bennett is that he was able to receive a phone call on an island that is home to just 9,000 people and takes a day and a half by boat to reach the mainland.

Home for the christening of his now 14-month-old daughter prior to Christmas, Radradra took the call from his manager George Christodoulou and shared the news with his family.

"They were excited," said the top-tryscorer of 2015.

"There was no way to describe how they feel, even myself.

"My manager called me up and told me I got picked for the All Stars team. I was real happy. It was a dream come true to play in this team.

"I'm proud of where I come from in Fiji and I'm real happy to be chosen to play in the All Stars team."

As for any expectation that he will deliver something spectacular in an All Stars game that encourages heavy contact and jaw-dropping tries, Radradra says he will simply be ready to take advantage of any opportunities that come his way.

"For me tries just come naturally," he said.

"It's the work from the boys that makes me look good from the outside.

"I give all the credit to the boys in the middle, it's all about teamwork.

"I try my best just to play good every game."

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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