NRL: Indigenous All-Stars, World Club Challenge.

With NRL season around the corner, Nine and 9GEM will screen two Australian Indigenous All Stars matches against Māori Kiwis tomorrow and the World Club Challenge on Monday with Sydney Roosters v Wigan Warriors.

Some of the hottest talent in rugby league will face off in the 2019 NRL All Star double-header tomorrow when the Australian Indigenous All Stars play the New Zealand Māori Kiwis for the first time.

Then on Monday, the 2018 premiers, the Sydney Roosters, take on reigning Super League champions, the Wigan Warriors, in the Rugby League World Club Challenge.

In what promises to be two explosive battles, the best male and female indigenous and Māori players in the game will clash at Melbourne’s AAMI Park, with coverage of the women’s game starting tomorrow at 5.10pm AEDT, and the men’s game at 7.30pm AEDT.

The All Star double-header will mark the debut of Nine’s commentary recruits Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater and Sam Thaiday as they add their expert opinions and insights as former NRL, State of Origin and international stars.

The men’s Indigenous and Māori sides are packed with representative talent, ensuring an exciting, high-calibre and passionate contest.

Scintillating backline players including Latrell Mitchell, Blake Ferguson, Josh Addo-Carr andWill Chambers headline the Indigenous side after playing in the 2018 NRL Grand Final, while surging youngsters including the Broncos’ David Fifita and the Knights’ Jesse Ramien will make their representative debuts.

They will be evenly matched against a powerhouse Māori side with a forward pack led by captainAdam Blair (Warriors), James Tamou (Panthers), Kevin Proctor (Titans) and Jesse Bromwich(Storm). Kalyn Ponga, the Knights’ excitement machine, could prove to be a deciding factor, with anything possible when he gets his hands on the ball.

Ahead of the men’s contest, the best female indigenous and Māori players will compete on 9GEM for the first time, hoping to turn some heads ahead of the 2019 NRLW competition.

All eyes will be on the props, as former Jillaroo Bec Young lines up against former Kiwi heavyweight sumo wrestler, Geneva Webber.

On Monday morning, February 18, the Sydney Roosters take on Wigan Warriors, the reigning Super League champions, in the World Club Challenge from DW Stadium in Wigan.

Wigan are determined to prove naysayers wrong as they take on the favourites from Australia and vow to pressure champion halfback Cooper Cronk in his first game since playing in the 2018 Grand Final with a broken shoulder.

Wigan will be led by a crafty veteran, the Kiwi international halfback Thomas Leuluai, while tough England international forward Sean O’Loughlin will prove a handful for Roosters captain Boyd Cordner – two men who have met before on the international stage.

Friday, February 15
Australian Indigenous Women’s All Stars v New Zealand Maori Ferns
Hosts and Commentators: James Bracey, Ruan Sims, Phil Gould, Mat Thompson
Sydney 5.10pm Live on 9GEM
Brisbane 4.10pm Live on 9GEM
Melbourne 5.10pm Live on 9GEM
Adelaide 4.40pm Live on 9GEM
Perth 2.10am Live on 9GEM

Friday, February 15
Australian Indigenous All Stars v New Zealand Maori Kiwis
Hosts and Commentators: James Bracey, Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater, Sam Thaiday, Ruan Sims, Andrew Johns, Phil Gould, Mat Thompson
Sydney 7.30pm Live on Nine
Brisbane 7.00pm Live on Nine
Melbourne 7.30pm Live on 9GEM
Adelaide 7.00pm Live on 9GEM
Perth 4.30pm Live on 9GEM

Monday, February 18
World Club Challenge: Sydney Roosters v Wigan Warriors
Hosts and Commentators: James Bracey, Phil Gould, Andrew Johns
Sydney 5.45am Live on 9GEM
Brisbane 4.45am Live on 9GEM
Melbourne 5.45am Live on 9GEM
Adelaide 5.15am Live on 9GEM
Perth 2.45am Live on 9GEM