We take a look at Saturday’s (22/2/2020) NRL All Star Game 2020 match which is between the Indigenous All Stars and NZ Maori All Stars. View the odds and teams for both sides as well as our Tips and Bets for the match.
When: Saturday 22 February, 8:10PM
Bet ?: Bet On This Match HERE
Preview:
On paper, the Indigenous All Stars still look the team to beat, but they’ll have to dig deep with Andrew Fifita and Cody Walker on the sidelines.
Both players have been deemed unfit as they recover from offseason surgeries, leaving the bulk of the playmaking firmly in Latrell Mitchell’s hands.
The Rabbitohs’ newest recruit is yet to score in an All-Stars Game, but Mitchell did play a big part in last years victory setting up his teammates on numerous occasions.
Mitchell will play alongside a familiar cast of Blake Ferguson and Josh Addo-Carr – both of whom scored during last years win. Walker’s replacement, Tyrone Walker, was also named Man of the Match in 2019.
Even with two of his top stars missing, coach Laurie Daley still has plenty of time to tinker with his squad. Zac Saddler, Tyrell Fuimaono and Jamayne Taunoa-Brown have all been called up as injury replacements and should be eager to put on a show.
Maori also enters Saturday’s game a little worse for wear following the omission of Benji Marshall.
James Tamou and Nelson Asofa-Solomona are also significant outs for coach David Kidwell, meaning a brilliant performance from fullback Kalyn Ponga and halfback Kodi Nikorima is required if the Maoris are to pull off an upset.
Maori can feel confident in their towering forward line, but the question is, do they have enough talent down back to keep up with speedsters like Addo-Carr, Ferguson and James Roberts?
This year’s matchup certainly feels a lot closer than it did last season, but the absence of Asofa Solomona and Tamou will be felt. There’s nothing stopping Esan Marsters from leaving his mark on the game (again), but the Indigenous team should pull away in the second half for a comfortable victory.
Tip: Indigenous All Stars at $1.54
*Odds correct at time of posting. Subject to change
