Returning Burgess named in NRL All-Star squad

Code-hopper Sam Burgess has been voted to play in the NRL All-Stars match along with Warriors pair Simon Mannering and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Fresh off a disappointing stint with the England rugby union side at the Rugby World Cup, Burgess has been voted into the World All-Stars team subject to his contract with the South Sydney Rabbitohs being finalised.

James Roberts, who has been involved in an ugly free agency saga with his former club the Gold Coast Titans, is also waiting to finalise a contract with a club before being able to turn out for the Indigenous All-Stars team.

Mannering and Tuivasa-Sheck will line-up alongside fellow Kiwis Martin Tapau and Antonio Winterstein in the first ever World All-Stars team.

Cowboys star Johnathan Thurston will lead the Indigenous side, who won the pre-season clash before last season.

Indigenous All-Stars coach Laurie Daley said the contest will be one of the best in history.

"The online voting and competition for positions was so intense – and the players want to be part of this match," Daley said.

"We have picked a strong side full of players who have represented at the highest level for years.

"And it never hurts to have the Dally M Player of the year and Grand Final hero as your captain!"

Suncorp Stadium will host the showcase on February 13.

Indigenous All Stars: 1. Greg Inglis, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Will Chambers, 4. Blake Ferguson, 5. Dane Gagai, 6. Ben Barba, 7. Johnathan Thurston (C), 8. Ryan James, 9. Nathan Peats, 10. Sam Thaiday, 11. Greg Bird, 12. Joel Thompson, 13. Chris Grevsmuhl

Subs: 14. Andrew Fifita, 15. Wade Graham, 16. Tyrone Peachey, 17. James Roberts, 18. Tyrone Roberts, 19. Ray Thompson, 20. Jack Wighton

World All Stars: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Semi Radradra, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Josh Morris, 5. Antonio Winterstein, 6. Gareth Widdop, 7. Trent Hodkinson, 8. James Graham, 9. Cameron Smith (C), 10. Paul Gallen, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Simon Mannering, 13. Sam Burgess

Subs: 14. Tom Burgess, 15. Kane Evans, 16. Robbie Farah, 17. Lachlan Maranta, 18. Nene McDonald, 19. Trent Merrin, 20. Martin Taupau

3 News

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