Cronulla Sharks winger, Blake Ferguson, has been named in the Indigenous All Stars side to replace injured Broncos and Test star Justin Hodges.

Hodges was ruled out of playing in the inaugural Harvey Normal All Stars game after rupturing his right Achilles tendon.

Ferguson will take his place in the Indigenous side, which will oppose the NRL All Stars team at Skilled Park on Saturday February 13, 2010 – this date also marks the second anniversary of Australia’s apology to the Stolen Generation.

The 20-year-old, who was a standout for the Sharks in his debut 2009 season, said he was extremely proud to be representing his heritage and was excited to play alongside an abundance of elite players.

“I’m very excited to be representing where I come from, my Indigenous background, so I’ll definitely be taking this opportunity with both hands,” Ferguson said.

“It’s also a great privilege and honour to be playing alongside the likes of Inglis, Thurston and Prince.”

Click here to see Blake Ferguson’s exclusive Interview with Sharks TV.

Click here to view Blake Ferguson's 2010 player profile.

Having covered a range of positions for the Sharks last season, Ferguson will prove the ideal replacement for coach Neil Henry’s 20-man-team.

“The selectors are excited about giving a talented young player like Blake an opportunity to compete on this stage,” Coach Neil Henry said.

“Losing Justin through injury is obviously disappointing but I am sure Blake will make the most of his chance.

“Blake showed just how talented a player he is with his performances at the Sharks last year and is a great addition to our squad.”

Voting for the NRL All Stars side remains open with fans having until midnight on January 29 (AEDT) to decide who will join automatically selected internationals Darren Lockyer, Benji Marshall, Cameron Smith and Adam Blair in the team.

Sharks players Luke Douglas, Anthony Tupou, Trent Barrett and Luke Covell are all still in the running for selection in the NRL All Stars side.

Fans must select one player from each of the 16 NRL clubs in the team, as well as take into account coach Wayne Bennett’s player positioning guide, available at www.nrl.com.

Over 9,000 fans have already logged on to register their preferred NRL All Stars team.

There are only a limited amount of tickets remaining for the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars, including corporate packages and single seats. Ticket enquiries can made through Ticketek outlets, on 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au.