Some of the hottest talent in rugby league will face off in the 2019 NRL All Star double-header tomorrow when the Australian Indigenous All Stars play the New Zealand Māori Kiwis for the first time.

Then on Monday, the 2018 premiers, the Sydney Roosters, take on reigning Super League champions, the Wigan Warriors, in the Rugby League World Club Challenge.

In what promises to be two explosive battles, the best male and female indigenous and Māori players in the game will clash at Melbourne’s AAMI Park, with coverage of the women’s game starting tomorrow at 5.10pm AEDT, and the men’s game at 7.30pm AEDT. 

The All Star double-header will mark the debut of Nine’s commentary recruits Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater and Sam Thaiday as they add their expert opinions and insights as former NRL, State of Origin and international stars.

The men’s Indigenous and Māori sides are packed with representative talent, ensuring an exciting, high-calibre and passionate contest. 

Scintillating backline players including Latrell Mitchell, Blake Ferguson, Josh Addo-Carr and Will Chambers headline the Indigenous side after playing in the 2018 NRL Grand Final, while surging youngsters including the Broncos’ David Fifita and the Knights’ Jesse Ramien will make their representative debuts.

They will be evenly matched against a powerhouse Māori side with a forward pack led by captain Adam Blair (Warriors), James Tamou (Panthers), Kevin Proctor (Titans) and Jesse Bromwich (Storm). Kalyn Ponga, the Knights’ excitement machine, could prove to be a deciding factor, with anything possible when he gets his hands on the ball.

For further information please contact Nine Publicity:  
Jason Evans
E jaevans@nine.com.au

Thursday, 14 February, 2019