NRL Allstars vs Indigenous Allstars

[Spiceman]

I have chosen the team below and voted with my fingers to have a say in the sides. I have kept this separate from NRL threads as season is technically over but this is a new concept and I reckon it could even rival Origin as a blockbuster game during each season.

G. Inglis
1. Fullback

T. Tahu
2. Right Wing

W. Tonga
3. Right Centre

J. Hodges
4. Left Centre

N. Merritt
5. Left Wing

S. Prince
6. Five Eighth

J. Thurston
7. Half Back

C. Webb
8. Prop

Marsh, PJ
9. Hooker

G. Rose
10. Prop

S. Thaiday
11. Second Row

T. Learoyd-Lahrs
12. Second Row

Wendell Sailor
13. Lock

Reserves: Jamie Soward, Dane Laurie, Palmer Wapau

don't know why I couldn't pick Preston Campbell, I'm gathering he is automatic selection, i definately would have him in their and possibly at fullback. I went for Inglis at Fullback and Tonga in the centres to give the strongest backline possible... There were not a lot of forwards to pick from and hence Dell Sailor as lock, but I think he would go fine in the pack and give it heaps... you can actually pick the side on NRL.com.au as this is a publicly chosen side..... voted by us....

[ 24. October 2009, 02:52 PM: Message edited by: Spiceman ]

[The Frog]

I have to say I couldn't care less about this game. I'd prefer it not to be on. Only thing that can come from it is injuries to key players on the eve of the premiership season...and for what?

[Spiceman]

I think you are right about the timing Frog, I think Pre Season is the wrong time for it... I think it could turn into a classic series each year like Origin and it should either be played during season like Origin or at end of season like the World Club Challenge each year...

[The Frog]

I seriously couldn't ever see it rivalling origin. I really don't like the way players of indigenous backgrounds (no matter how far back the bloodlines go) are put into a different grouping to the rest.

[Spiceman]

I agree to some extent but then you had guys like Mundine complaining that there was racism that prevented players from Aboriginal decent getting picked... I don't agree with him and when you consider 9 of the 13 players I picked in the indigenous team had actually been picked for or played for Australia either now or in the pas proves that...

But I do think it's a good idea and gives some indigenous players a chance to make a rep side they may not have.... and show off their wares..

[Spiceman]

I only wish Mundine was still playing because he'd be battling to be picked over guys like Thurston and Prince and then wouldn't be able to say anything....

[D-Dog]

i agree with frog, as soon as i heard about this i thought that separating teams on the grounds of race is not good...which race is better at league?

[The Frog]

The guys in Spicey's team are all successful and very wealthy as a result of playing NRL. Why not pick an indigenous team from players that never made it to the city for whatever reason. The country leagues are full of aboriginal players that have as much if not more talent than those mentioned above.

[Spiceman]

I don't think it's about that at all, it's about culture, just like there is a Moari Rugby team.. Geez if we have a Fiji Team and a Tonga team and etc etc then surely these teams are racial in make-up, they have to be. I don't see anything wrong with an indigenous team and I'd love to know how the indigenous folks themselves feel about it, from what I've read they are pretty excited. Why would you want to take that away from them?

[The Frog]

Originally posted by Spiceman:
I don't see anything wrong with an indigenous team and I'd love to know how the indigenous folks themselves feel about it, from what I've read they are pretty excited. Why would you want to take that away from them? I just think we already have an Australian team. Ofcourse the indigenous people will like it, just like samoans would like it if Aust played an australian team of samoan ancestory. I'll probably watch it either way but I think it's a pointless game and I just hope Manly players don't get picked for fear of injury prior to season kickoff.

...and I'd have Cliffy Lyons at number 6...he's still playing A grade you know.

[Spiceman]

haha, Cliffy Lyons... Well I'd probably put him in there as well Frog but I'd still keep Thurston and Prince in the halves and maybe use Lyons as a super sub to come on and give Prince a break.... As for an Aussie Samoan side, heck most of the Kiwi side live here, so we may as well.. Doesn't hayne play for Fiji... when he's not playing for Australia..

[Spiceman]

Maybe the coach could take them horseriding before the game starts.... ala Wayne Pierce...