The annual pre-season clash between the Indigenous and Maori All Stars could be without as many as 16 players who competed in last year’s match, as squads are prepared to be announced next week.
Preparing for the upcoming World Club Challenge against Hull KR, Brisbane Broncos trio Jesse Arthars, Jordan Riki and Xavier Willison have been ruled out of the contest, as well as teammate Kotoni Staggs, who represented the Indigenous All Stars in 2024.
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If unavailable for selection, this would rule out 2025 squad members Dane Gagai, Dylan Lucas, Josh Curran, Josh Kerr, Kalyn Ponga, and Leo Thompson, as well as former All Stars representatives Pasami Saulo, Reuben Cotter, Trey Mooney and Tyrell Sloan.
Jeremy Marshall-King (injury) and Tyrone Munro (stood down) are also unavailable from last year’s match.
The All Stars clash could be without some of the biggest stars.Source: Getty Images
As to is Jacob Alick-Wiencke and Jazz Tevaga after having moved overseas to the Super League competition.
The trio of Jacob Sykes, Reuben Porter and Shaquai Mitchell may also not be named as they no longer have affiliations with any NRL team.
Meanwhile, South Sydney Rabbitohs star duo Latrell Mitchell (calf) and David Fifita (ribs) are also in doubt after picking up minor injuries over the weekend.
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NQ PROP UNDER VISA CLOUD AHEAD OF LAS VEGAS
The North Queensland Cowboys are sweating on the availability of new recruit Matt Lodge ahead of their opening match of the season against the Newcastle Knights in Las Vegas.
Temporarily detained in Rikers Island jail in New York in 2015, there is no certainty that the front-rower will be granted permission to enter the country.
This comes as he was facing up to 25 years in jail following a violent home invasion in Manhattan over a decade ago but negotiated a plea deal and a misdemeanour count of reckless assault, which instead resulted in 200 hours of community service in Australia.
As reported by Code Sports, Lodge has been interviewed by US officials, but a decision has yet to be made about whether or not he will be granted entry into the country, as the club awaits a verdict from the United States immigration
Cowboys coach Todd Payten has previously stated that Lodge is among the club’s best 22 players after arriving in Townsville following stints with the Sea Eagles, Roosters, Warriors, Broncos and Wests Tigers.
Matt Lodge is in doubt for Las Vegas due to Visa issues.Source: News Corp Australia
ADDO-CARR RESPONDS TO LOMAX LEGAL DRAMA
Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr says he’ll be “happy with whatever” former teammate Zac Lomax chooses to do in 2026 and beyond.
Lomax quit the Eels one season into a four-year deal to sign with R360 but had to pivot significantly when the rebel league’s start date was pushed back. Lomax is now trying to sign with the Storm for 2026 but due to a clause in his Eels release, the outside back is embroiled in a nasty legal drama with Parramatta.
Regardless of all of that, Addo-Carr says he wishes the best for Lomax, who he considers a “good friend”.
“It’s completely up to the NRL and what’s going on there, but Zac is a good mate of mine and I’m happy with whatever he does,” Addo-Carr told Code Sports.
“I just check in and see how he’s going, see what he’s doing. That’s about it.”
It’s been a busy off-season for the Eels. As well as the Lomax saga, Parramatta signed gun half Jonah Pezet for 2026.
Addo-Carr has liked what he’s seen from Pezet, believing the former Storm playmaker’s one-season stop will do wonders for another emerging star in Joash Papali’i, who is considered the club’s five-eighth of the future.
“He’s a risk taker and we’ve got a strong connection at the moment,” Addo-Carr said of Pezet.
“Rylesy has sat Joash down and given him a plan of, learn as much as you can from Pez and Mitch, and slowly build into the team.
“Last year got chucked into the deep end with playing in that position, which is fine, but training every day with Pez and asking questions allows the game plan, which I really like and respect from Rylesy.”
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – AUGUST 29: Josh Addo-Carr and Zac Lomax of the Eels celebrate winning the round 26 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and Parramatta Eels at Go Media Stadium on August 29, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)Source: Supplied
RECRUIT PUSHING FOR BRONCOS STARTING GIG
Brisbane Broncos recruit Aublix Tawha is closing in on a spot in the starting team for the upcoming World Club Challenge.
Recruited from the Dolphins after a handful of first-grade matches, Tawha has impressed during pre-season training and emerged as one of the leading candidates to replace the injured Brendan Piakura against Super League winners, Hull KR.
Not afraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone, as evidenced by his melee last year with Spencer Leniu, Tawha is known for his formidability and toughness and is set to have a breakout campaign in Brisbane colours.
Aublix Tawha and the Brisbane Broncos NRL squad.Source: News Corp Australia
It is understood that Jack Gosiewski and Jaiyden Hunt are also set to come under consideration to start in the back row alongside Jordan Riki.
“Obs (Tawha) is a massive candidate to come with us and has definitely put himself in the picture to be able to be on the plane,” coach Michael Maguire told AAP.
“He’s been excellent and came into the pre-season flying.
“I have been super-impressed and it is not just myself. It is everyone, just with the way he gone about his professionalism.
“His will to want to learn has been really impressive and he is asking questions of the coaches and players. He is giving himself one hell of an opportunity to be ready to go for the start of the season.”
Aiming to clinch their third World Club Challenge title, the club will fly to London, England, on February 9 before taking on Hull KR nearly a fortnight later on February 20 (AEDT).
According to AAP, they will then stay at The Lensbury resort, which has hosted several famous sporting sides over the years, including the Australian Kangaroos and New Zealand All Blacks.
The Broncos will also hold a training session against the London Broncos, who are led by coach Jason Demetriou and feature a plethora of former NRL players, including Dean Hawkins and Reagan Campbell-Gillard.
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THREE-WAY RACE FOR ENGLAND JOB EMERGES
Brad Arthur and Willie Peters have both confirmed interest in leading England at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) as they look to fill the head coaching role left vacant by Shaun Wane.
Following Wane’s departure after the 2025 Ashes Series, several names have been floated as potential replacements.
Over the past few weeks, Sam Burgess, James Graham, Wayne Bennett and Michael Maguire are just a few names who have all emerged as potential candidates.
However, this has now been reduced to three names: Brad Arthur, Brian McDermott and Willie Peters.
Speaking to reporters overseas, Arthur, formerly a coach of the Parramatta Eels, confirmed interest in the international job.
“Yeah,” he said when asked about interest in the role. “I’ve enjoyed my time here. That’s coaching at the elite level. I don’t know where it’s at or what their process is.”
“I’ve got some interest in it but my priority and main job and main focus is right here right now with this team. If something opens up there, I’d like to have a conversation.”
A day later, Willie Peters (a former halfback for the Rabbitohs and Dragons and Kangaroos assistant) also confirmed an interest in the job.
“Yep, look I’d certainly have a conversation – that’s for sure,” Peters said.
“I’d be interested in having a conversation and seeing where it goes from there.”
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KNIGHTS’ PATHWAYS BOOST
The Newcastle Knights now have the largest junior catchment area of any NRL club after striking a landmark three-year partnership deal with the Mid-North Coast.
The agreement between the two parties will create a stronger pathway for male and female players in the Mid-North Coast region and help with the development of coaches.
It will also see the Knights align with and support the regional representative program in the NSWRL regional competition with the North Coast Bulldogs.
The partnership with the Mid-North Coast and recent deals with Hunter Junior Rugby League and the Great Northern Region give the Knights access to over 15,000 rugby league players.
Current NRL players to come out of these regions include Dylan Edwards (Dorrigo), Latrell Mitchell (Taree), Mitch Barnett (Wingham), Luke Metcalf (Orara Valley) and Blake Steep (Port Macquarie).
“This isn’t about branding or symbolic gestures, it’s about having a genuine presence in the community and investing in the people who make rugby league strong at the grassroots level,” Knights Director of Football Chris James said.
“We’re committed to consistent connections for both genders on coach education and player development, creating transparent pathways for talented young people to keep them connected to their local clubs and communities.
“The Mid North Coast has produced outstanding rugby league talent for generations, this partnership is about providing every talented player, coach, referee and volunteer the support and opportunities they deserve, regardless of where they live.”