The NRL have announced a revamped All-Stars game will kick-off the 2019 NRL season.
The new format will see the Australian Indigenous All-Stars play the New Zealand Maori at AAMI Park in Melbourne on February 15.
It will be part of an All-Stars double header with the women's teams to play the curtain-raiser to the men's game.
NRL Head of Football Brian Canavan said fans will thrive at the opportunity to see two respected cultures come together in rugby league.
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“The All-Stars concept has been popular with crowds across the country and abroad since it first commenced back in 2010,” Mr Canavan said.
“In 2019, we’re taking the All-Stars to another level – paying homage to Australian and New Zealand First Nations cultures and celebrating the unique bond between both countries.”
The All-Stars game has been played on seven occasions after its inception in 2010.
With no All-Stars game in 2017 due to the World Cup, the NRL will be hoping the inclusion of the New Zealand Maori side will spark popularity in the fixture.
It will also give women's rugby league players a chance to add to the three All-Stars clashes played previously.
WHO WILL PLAY?
Fans will have an opportunity to participate in the selection process for the All-Stars game with a two-week voting period opening up in January.
The Indigenous All-Stars will likely have a side filled with talented backs inlcuding the likes of Greg Inglis, Josh Addo-Carr, Latrell Mitchell and James Roberts.
The squad could also feature big names - Andrew Fifita, Ryan James and Jack Bird.
More importantly, it could open the door for Johnathan Thurston and Sam Thaiday to play one final farewell game after both players announced they will retire at the end of the 2018 NRL season.
The New Zealand Maori team could see Kalyn Ponga, Valentine Holmes, Benji Marshall, Jesse Bromwich and Tohu Harris all line-up for the pre-season fixture.
Sporting News predicted how the New Zealand Maori team could line-up.
Four NRL players are currently eligible for both teams including Dane Gagai, Reimis Smith, Josh Hoffman and Javid Bowen.
WHERE CAN I GET TICKETS?
Tickets are now on-sale to NRL club members from $20 for adults and $45 for families.
The general public will have the opportunity to purchase tickets on Tuesday morning from $25 for adults and $50 for a family.
