Cronulla back rower, Anthony Tupou, has been given the nod of approval by fans as the first Sharks representative to play for the NRL All Stars side.

Tupou was named as the Sharks' representative in the NRL squad, which will oppose the Indigenous All Stars team at Skilled Park on Saturday February 13, 2010.

More than 50,000 fans voted during the Harvey Norman All Stars online selection process for the historic match and Tupou was the preferred Cronulla pick over fellow teammates Trent Barrett, Luke Covell and Luke Douglas.

Click here to see Tupou’s reaction to being told of his selection on Sharks TV.

Tupou will join fellow Internationals Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith, Benji Marshall and Adam Blair who were automatically included in the NRL All Stars squad with one player from each NRL club to join them for the match.

“It’s an absolute honour,” Tupou said.

“To be chosen by the fans in particular means a great deal and I hope that I can play some good football.”

“The Indigenous side has some real talent with the likes of Inglis and Thaiday, so it will be a very tough game."

Tupou will now take on fellow teammate Blake Ferguson in the inaugural All Stars Match, after he was included in the Indigenous side last week to replace the injured Justin Hodges.

The NRL All Stars team to take on the Indigenous All Stars at Skilled Park on February 13 is:

Darren Lockyer (Australian captain), Cameron Smith (Australian vice-captain, Benji Marshall (New Zealand captain), Adam Blair (New Zealand vice-captain), Anthony Tupou (Sharks), Billy Slater (Storm), Israel Folau (Broncos), Vatuvei (Warriors), Dave Taylor (Rabbitohs), Anthony Watmough (Sea Eagles), Luke O'Donnell (Cowboys), Kurt Gidley (Knights), Alan Tongue (Raiders), Luke Bailey (Titans), Josh Morris (Bulldogs), Gareth Ellis (Tigers), Nate Myles (Roosters), Michael Jennings (Panthers), Matt Cooper (Dragons) and Jarryd Hayne (Eels).

Click here to see Blake Ferguson’s thoughts on being selected in the Indigenous side.

The NRL All Stars team will assemble on Sunday, February 7, with its first public appearance at Blacktown on Monday, February 8.

“With the names unveiled today the fans have certainly delivered an amazing side for the Harvey Norman All Stars match,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.

“Over the last few months, 50,000 voters have made it clear that these are the players the fans want to see and I think everyone is now counting down the days to kick-off.”

NRL All Stars coach Wayne Bennett points to the strike power of both teams in predicting a showcase of League’s speed and skill:

“There might be only two points in it at the end but I can tell you that with the players on these two teams we won’t be looking at a 10-8 score line.

“Players on both sides are genuinely excited about the chance to play together and they’ve all got plenty of pride, they are going to want show what they can do.

“I certainly think the fans have done a great job in selecting both teams.”