As selectors of the first ever Indigenous All Stars team, the fans have only 72 hours left to lodge their vote for the side they want to see take the field on February 13, 2010. There are only three days to go until the public poll officially closes on Sunday, November 15 at midnight EDST (11:00pm in Queensland).
Following the closing of votes, the coach of the Indigenous team, Neil Henry together with the ARL Indigenous Council, will decide on an additional three players to join Captain Preston Campbell in the 20-player squad.
This is the first time in the game’s history that the fans have been asked to play the role of selector and more than 16,000 have already logged onto www.nrl.com/allstars to lock in their preferred team.
Matthew Bowen’s withdrawl from the match due to injury has added to the last minute speculation around the team and last minute votes could tip the selection scales for some big names including Timana Tahu, Yileen Gordon, Willie Tonga, Jharal Yow Yeh, Jake Friend, Palmer Wapau and Chris Sandow.
Already some of Rugby League’s highest profile indigenous stars have declared selection in the team to be as important to them as any honour in the game.
“The match has struck a chord across the community and it will be an emotional start to the 2013 season,” NRL Chief Executive, David Gallop said today.
“And never before have Rugby League supporters played such an integral role in a single game.
“If you are a supporter of some of the names in contention for the team then you still have just a few days to see those players selected.”
A clear sign of the strong support from fans has been ticket sales. Three months out from the historic match 15,000 tickets have been snapped up for Skilled Stadium.
Those wishing be at Skilled Park in February next year, still have time to be a part of the game with tickets still available through Ticketek outlets, on 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au.
The following players are eligible for inclusion in the All Stars side:
Player | Team |
Albert Kelly | Sharks |
Anthony Mitchell | Parramatta Eels |
Beau Champion | Rabbitohs |
Ben Barba | Bulldogs |
Ben Jones | Roosters |
Ben Orcher | Sharks |
Blake Ferguson | Sharks |
Brad Tighe | Panthers |
Brenton Bowen | Titans |
Carl Webb | Cowboys |
Chris Sandow | Rabbitohs |
Cory Paterson | Newcastle |
Daine Laurie | Panthers |
Dane Nielsen | Storm |
Donald Malone | Cowboys |
Esi Tonga | Titans |
Fred Briggs | Bulldogs |
George Rose | Manly |
Greg Inglis | Storm |
Ian Lacey | Titans |
Jake Friend | Roosters |
Jamal Idris | Bulldogs |
Jamie Simpson | Rabbitohs |
Jamie Soward | Dragons |
Jarrod Sammut | Panthers |
Jharal Yow Yeh | Broncos |
Joel Moon | Warriors |
Joel Romelo | Panthers |
Joel Thompson | Raiders |
Johnathan Thurston | Cowboys |
Jonathan Wright | Parramatta Eels |
Josh Hoffman | Broncos |
Justin Carney | Raiders |
Justin Hodges | Broncos |
Kurtis Lingwoodock | Broncos |
Luke Kelly | Storm |
Luke Walsh | Panthers |
Matt Bowen | Cowboys |
Maurice Blair | Panthers |
Michael Bani | Cowboys |
Michael Lett | Dragons |
Nathan Merritt | Rabbitohs |
Obe Geia | Cowboys |
PJ Marsh | Broncos |
Palmer Wapau | Broncos |
Rhys Wesser | Rabbitohs |
Robert Lui | Tigers |
Sam Thaiday | Broncos |
Scott Prince | Titans |
Shannon Hegarty | Cowboys |
Shannon Walker | Titans |
Timana Tahu | Parramatta Eels |
Tom Learoyd – Lahrs | Raiders |
Travis Waddell | Raiders |
Ty Williams | Cowboys |
Wendell Sailor | Dragons |
Willie Tonga | Cowboys |
Yileen Gordon | Bulldogs |
Zac Merritt | Raiders |
All Stars Ticket Categories and Prices
Price Category | Adult | Concession | Junior | Family |
1 | $65.00 | $55.00 | $40.00 | $170.00 |
2 | $45.00 | $40.00 | $30.00 | $120.00 |
3 | $25.00 | $20.00 | $15.00 | $65.00 |
Tickets are available through Ticketek on 132 849, at Ticketek outlets or online at www.ticketek.com.au. New Zealand customers can call 0800 842 538 or +61 132 849.
