Sharks hooker Michael Ennis has been forced to withdraw from the NRL All Stars squad for the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars match scheduled for Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast Friday, February 13.
Ennis has a minor calf strain but as Sharks coach Shane Flanagan explains, his new number nine should be back on deck well in advance of his teams round one match against the Raiders.
“Michael is disappointed, he really wanted to be a part of the All Stars, but he just won’t be right to go next weekend,” Flanagan said. “The injury isn’t a major one and we hope to have him available for our last trial against the Tigers but if not, he will be fit come round one.”
Ennis is to be replaced by Warriors hooker Nathan Friend, with Parramatta's Joseph Paulo a late call up to the All Stars team ahead of the game next Friday night.
Paulo replaces his Parramatta teammate Will Hopoate.
Sharks skipper Paul Gallen will take his place in the All Stars side, bringing him into opposition with new club mate Ben Barba who is set to take the field for the Indigenous team.
Tickets are available for the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars at www.ticketek.com.au/allstars
The NRL All Stars team to play the Indigenous All Stars
1 Matt Moylan Panthers
2 Manu Vatuvei Warriors
3 Jarrod Croker Raiders
4 Dylan Walker Rabbitohs
5 Antonio Winterstein Cowboys
6 Kieran Foran Sea Eagles
7 Mitchell Pearce Roosters
8 James Graham Bulldogs
9 Nathan Friend Warriors
10 Jarred Waerea-Hargreaves Roosters
11 Beau Scott (c) Knights
12 Jason Taumalolo Cowboys
13 Paul Gallen Sharks
14 Jesse Bromwich Storm
15 Luke Brooks Tigers
16 Joseph Paulo Eels
17 Trent Merrin Dragons
18 Corey Parker Broncos
19 Jeremy Smith Knights
20 Dave Taylor Titans
