LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Indigenous All Stars have announced that South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell will miss the upcoming All Stars match for the second year in a row.
Mitchell suffered a calf injury during pre-season training last month, and his absence was officially confirmed on Thursday ahead of the match against the Maori team in Waikato on February 15.
Cody Walker will also miss the annual event to ensure he remains fit for Round 1, as he faced a season riddled with injuries at Souths last year.
The Rabbitohs are counting on Mitchell and Walker to perform well from the start of the season following a challenging 2025 campaign that saw them finish in 14th place.
Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes, along with Parramatta winger Josh Addo-Carr and Gold Coast's livewire Jayden Campbell, will lead the Indigenous team.
The Maori side features notable players such as Warriors duo James Fisher-Harris and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, along with Canterbury recruit Leo Thompson.
Manly recruit Jamal Fogarty is expected to make his return to the field for the Indigenous All Stars after a challenging finals series with Canberra.
Indigenous winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira aims to secure a regular starting position with the Warriors after a disappointing final season at Gold Coast.
Similarly, Jesse Arthars, selected as the 18th player in Brisbane's premiership victory, is poised to start the season on a high note for the Maori side.