Newcastle Knights Players Secure Spots in Prestigious NRL All Stars Fixtures
The Newcastle Knights will be well represented in the upcoming NRL All Stars representative matches, with five of their players earning selection for the annual showcase event. The fixtures are scheduled to take place at FMG Stadium Waikato in New Zealand on February 15, 2026, promising an exciting display of elite rugby league talent.
Key Signing Kirra Dibb Leads Indigenous All Stars Charge
Among the standout selections is new NRLW halfback Kirra Dibb, who has returned to the Knights after three seasons with the North Queensland Cowboys. The Central Coast product, aged 28, has been signed on a three-year deal following the unexpected departure of Jesse Southwell to Brisbane. Dibb will once again feature for the Indigenous All Stars women's team, having played a pivotal role in their narrow 20-18 victory last year. Her experience extends to representing both New South Wales and the Australian Jillaroos, adding significant depth to the squad.
Maori All Stars Bolstered by Knights Trio
The Maori All Stars women's team will include three Newcastle Knights players: Shanice Parker, Tenika Willison, and Fane Finau. Parker is a versatile back and established New Zealand international, while Willison is a rugby union convert entering her third season in the NRLW. Finau, at just 19 years old, is emerging as a rising talent for the Knights, known as a damaging second-rower who has already earned caps for Tonga.
Men's Representation and Notable Absences
In the men's All Stars match, prop Trey Mooney will be the sole Newcastle Knights representative. Several other Knights players, including Bradman Best, Jermaine McEwen, and Dylan Lucas, were anticipated to be in contention for the Indigenous side but were ultimately unavailable for selection. The coaching staff for the men's matches features familiar faces, with former Knights NRLW premiership-winning mentor Ronald Griffiths leading the Indigenous team and Knights pathways employee Adam Blair overseeing the Maori side.
Newcastle-Born Talent and Additional Highlights
Adding to the local flavour, Newcastle-born prop Caitlan Johnston-Green, now playing for Cronulla, has been named in the Indigenous women's team. Johnston-Green, a former Knights premiership winner, made a remarkable return to play just 11 weeks after giving birth to her daughter last season, though her campaign was cut short by a facial fracture. The men's match will showcase star players like Josh Addo-Carr and Nicho Hynes for the Indigenous side, while the Maori team boasts talents such as James Fisher-Harris and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.
World Cup Challenge and Regional Prospects
In related news, Central Newcastle product Grant Anderson has been included in Brisbane's 20-man squad for the World Cup Challenge against Hull KR on February 20. The former Melbourne Storm flyer faces stiff competition for an outside-back position at the Broncos. Additionally, Denman prop Ben Talty has earned a spot on the plane to England, positioning him for a potential bench role after impressive performances last year.
This selection underscores the Knights' growing influence in representative rugby league, highlighting both established stars and promising newcomers as they prepare for the 2026 season.
