nib Newcastle Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga and utility Connor Watson have both been selected to compete in this year’s Harvey Norman All-Stars match to be held on the Gold Coast on February 22.
Although the two are great mates, they'll have to put the friendship on hold as they contest on opposing sides.
Ponga will represent the New Zealand Maori All Stars side for the second year in a row while for Watson, he’ll be slipping on the Indigenous All Stars jersey for the first time.
Fans were able to vote for their preferred squads online with the results being considered by coaches Laurie Daley and David Kidwell when they chose their final teams.
The Indigenous side are the reigning champions, having stormed to a 34-14 victory in 2019.
The full team lists are as follows:
Indigenous All Stars
Josh Addo-Carr, Joshua Curran, Adam Elliott, Blake Ferguson, Andrew Fifita, David Fifita, Wade Graham, Ryan James, Josh Kerr, Alex Johnston, Latrell Mitchell, Tyrone Peachey, Nathan Peats, Jesse Ramien, Tyrone Roberts, Joel Thompson, Cody Walker, Connor Watson, Jack Wighton
NZ Maori All Stars
Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Adam Blair, Jesse Bromwich, Kenneath Bromwich, Corey Harawira-Naera, Jahrome Hughes, Isaac Luke, Esan Marsters, Briton Nikora, Kodi Nikorima, Kalyn Ponga, Kevin Proctor, Bailey Simonsson, Brandon Smith, Brad Taikairangi, James Tamou, Zane Tetevano, Dylan Walker, Dallin Watene-Zelzniak, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak
