Rugby League Coaching Manuals

By Marshall Glenn Jackson and Chris Barrett - While many are attempting to compare Saturday night's All Stars encounter with State of Origin, some such as Benji Marshall are unable to, having never experienced the latter. For him, at least, the match is more important than rugby league's showpiece.

The Wests Tigers five-eighth, the NRL All Stars halfback, has dubbed the contest at Skilled Stadium ''my State of Origin'', being unable to play for either NSW or Queensland.

''This is my one chance to play with some of these guys,'' said Marshall, in the line-up as New Zealand captain. ''I'll be able to play with guys I never thought I'd be able to play with. I can't play State of Origin, but now I can play with guys like Darren Lockyer.''

The one component lacking from Origin is the fact the best Kiwis have been unable to be a part of the game's maroon-and-blue jewel. Sonny Bill Williams wanted the chance to play State of Origin, and while Marshall acknowledges the fact it is Australian ''culture'', he will relish his chance to experience the mate-against-mate style of encounter on Saturday night.

The prospect of playing with Lockyer, the veteran Queenslander and his partner in the halves on Saturday, has particularly excited Marshall. '''I've always wanted to play with him,'' he said. ''I've always admired him as a person. I've tried to model a lot of my game on what he does as a player. It's going to be something I'll never forget. A lot of my family want to come and watch it.''

The match also gives Marshall a chance to reunite with Wayne Bennett, the coach of the NRL All Stars line-up, who helped the Kiwis to victory in the 2008 World Cup.

While no one could truly expect the contest between the best of Australia's Indigenous talent and the rest to rival Origin, at least in its fledgling years, there are similarities emerging. The Indigenous line-up will mirror Queensland by being the sentimental favourites as well as the squad many feel will have more passion than their opponents. And that has Marshall wary.

''They'll be coming out firing - they're playing for their heritage, their history,'' Marshall said. ''If we go out there to muck around, we're going to get hurt. But no one likes losing.''

■ NRL All Stars fullback Billy Slater is expected to play at Skilled Park on Saturday night despite rolling his ankle at training at Coogee Oval yesterday. Slater was assisted from the field after injuring his right ankle during a ball skills exercise.

It was feared he would be the All Stars' fourth injury casualty - following the withdrawals of David Taylor, Gareth Ellis and Alan Tongue - but he travelled to the Gold Coast with the team late yesterday, and scan results today are tipped to clear him of any serious damage.

The diagnosis will also be a relief for Slater's club side, the Melbourne Storm, who have a World Club Challenge date with Super League champion Leeds Rhinos on February 28.