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Bennett expects shootout

Bennett expects shootout

01/29/2010 09:21:24 AM

NRL All Stars coach Wayne Bennett has predicted a high-scoring encounter in next month's inaugural clash with the Indigenous All Stars on the Gold Coast after his squad was finalised on Friday.

A delighted Bennett endorsed the selections of over 50,000 fans who selected the final 16 members of the 20-man squad unveiled at NRL headquarters on Friday.

Jarryd Hayne, Dave Taylor, Anthony Watmough, and England international Gareth Ellis are among the players named to play alongside the four automatic selections - Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith, Benji Marshall and Adam Blair - at Skilled Park on February 13.

"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," an excited Bennett said.

"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."

The team will assemble in Sydney seven days before the historic clash.

If one of the newly-appointed NRL All Stars is unable to play he will be replaced by someone from the bench.

The second-highest vote-getter from the injured player's club would then fill the bench spot.

"With the names unveiled today the fans have certainly delivered an amazing side," NRL boss David Gallop said.

"The prospect of Darren Lockyer, Jarryd Hayne and Benji Marshall together against players like Johnathan Thurston, Greg Inglis, Scott Prince and Preston Campbell is an incredible one for every sports fan."

"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:
1.Billy Slater, 2. Israel Folau, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Matt Cooper, 5. Manu Vatuvei, 6. Darren Lockyer, 7. Benji Marshall, 8. Adam Blair, 9. Cameron Smith, 10. Dave Taylor, 11. Anthony Watmough, 12, Gareth Ellis, 13. Luke O'Donnell.

Reserves: 14. Kurt Gidley, 15. Anthony Tupou, 16. Nate Myles, 17. Alan Tongue, 18. Luke Bailey, 19. Josh Morris, 20. Jarryd Hayne.

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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