Cowboy a centre of attention for Maori All Stars
COWBOYS recruit Esan Marsters is expected to line up in the centres for a star-studded Maori All Stars.
Marsters was unveiled in the centres alongside exciting outside backs Kalyn Ponga, Dylan Walker and the Watene-zelezniak brothers.
He is set for a collision course with returning Shark Jesse Ramien who was named in the Indigenous All Stars line-up following a fan vote.
Former Cowboy and Maroons whiz-kid Ponga will go head-to-head with recent Rabbitohs recruit Latrell Mitchell.
The NRL unveiled the team lists for the Indigenous and Maori squads yesterday ahead of the star-studded match at Cbus Super Stadium on February 22.
Marsters has been selected for the Maori All Stars side alongside the likes of Storm giant Nelson Asofa-solomona and journeyman dummy-half Isaac Luke.
Indigenous All Stars coach Laurie Daley has named Mitchell in his side, as well as Brisbane sensation David Fifita and Melbourne flyer Josh Addo-carr.
Mitchell is set to line up in the fullback role for the Indigenous All Stars despite not playing in the No. 1 jersey since his debut year in 2016.
Daley said he never hesitated in his decision to play the South Sydney recruit at fullback in the upcoming All Stars match.
“I didn’t (hesitate) because the votes suggested he always plays at fullback,” Daley said.
“Fitness wise, I hope he’s up to speed.
“I say he won’t be there for the whole 80 minutes. Depending how he goes, he might have a spell.
“I’ve done it with Greg Inglis before. Those outside backs I tell them they might share it around.
“I’m looking forward to having Latrell there. He could be the best player in the competition if he wants to be.”
Daley’s squad are looking to defend their 34-14 win over the Maori side from last year’s fixture in Melbourne, with 14 players returning to the side.
It will be the first time the All Stars exhibition will be played on the Gold Coast since its inception a decade ago and just the second time the Indigenous side play the Maori All Stars – who replaced the World All Stars team in the previous encounters.
There will also be a women’s fixture to be played as a curtain raiser to the clash, which will feature North Queensland stars Jenni-sue Hoepper and Shaniah Power.