Graham Named in NRL All Stars

James Graham chats to bulldogs.com.au about his selection in the 2015 NRL All Stars team.

Newcastle Knights enforcer Beau Scott will lead a team featuring stars Kieran Foran, Mitchell Pearce and James Graham when the NRL All Stars face the Indigenous All Stars at Gold Coast’s Cbus Super Stadium on Friday February 13.

NRL All Stars Coach Wayne Bennett was joined by Michael Ennis (Sharks) in Brisbane today to name his squad for the fifth Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars.

The squad features rising superstars Matt Moylan (Penrith), Dylan Walker (South Sydney) and Luke Brooks (Wests Tigers) alongside established representative stars including Manu Vatuvei (Warriors), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters), Paul Gallen (Sharks) as well as Ennis.

Bennett said he wanted to ensure his side featured a good mix of the game’s up-and-comers as well as the stalwarts.

“We have some young guys who proved themselves last season and have a fantastic career ahead of them, combined with those who have a strong representative background,” Bennett said.

“I look forward to our players being part of the whole week of All Stars activities and community events and I commend them for their ongoing commitment to the All Stars concept, which continues to make a real difference to the lives of many Australians.”

Moylan will make his All Stars debut at fullback, along with fellow newcomers Walker and Canberra centre Jarrod Croker.

Premiership-winning Foran and Pearce, who have been friends since school, will pair up in the halves, with Brooks adding a dynamic look to the interchange.

The NRL All Stars’ interchange features a host of representative talent, including Trent Merrin (Dragons), Will Hopoate (Eels), Corey Parker (Broncos), Jeremy Smith (Knights), David Taylor (Titans) and Jesse Bromwich (Storm).

Cronulla’s new signing Ennis, who made his All Stars debut in 2012, said he was looking forward to his return into a Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars camp.

“I really love the All Stars concept and it’s a massive honour to once again be selected to be a part of the week,” he said.

“The diversity and inclusion of this event is what makes it so special, not just for the players but the wider community and I’m glad that it’s back on the calendar.

“My children are now at the age where they can appreciate and understand what I am playing for, particularly in my representative matches and it’s really exciting that they will be there on match day.”

The Hon. Linda Burney, MP, Chair of the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council, added: "This year's Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars will be seven years to the day since Kevin Rudd's apology to Australia's Indigenous people, which adds a real significance to the event in 2015.

"This is the most significant rugby league event on the calendar for the Indigenous and Torres Strait community but it will be even more special this year."

Tickets are available for the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars at ticketek.com.au/allstars