Two childhood friends and current Sea Eagles team-mates will get the rare opportunity to play a representative match together in their home country this Saturday night.
Centre Morgan Harper and forward Austin Dias went to the same high school in New Zealand. where they formed a strong friendship that has lasted to this very day.
The pair will now have the honour of lining up for the Māori All Stars team against the Indigenous All Stars at Rotorua International Stadium after Dias was a late addition to the side.
“Morgan and I played footy together and lived about 15 minutes away from each other,’’ Dias said.
“He was the one who actually got me into rugby league. I had always played rugby union as a kid and he asked once to play in a game in a tournament in Rotorua.
“I couldn’t tell my Dad because he wouldn’t let me play rugby league, so Mum told me I could go.
“That's where it all started for me. A talent scout from Parramatta spotted me. Three months later, I moved to Australia."
It will be the second Māori All Stars representative jersey for the Hamilton born and raised Harper after playing in last year’s fixture.
For Dias, the annual All Stars match is a chance for him to showcase his game on the big stage again after making his NRL debut for the Wests Tigers in 2022.
Following previous stints at the Bulldogs, Eels and Tigers, 24-year-old Dias started pre-season on a train and trial contract. He has since secured a full-time opportunity for the season ahead.
After not getting a run at Parramatta, Dias joined Harper at the Bulldogs, with the pair playing NSW Cup together.
They now find themselves in the same colors again, but this time at Brookvale.
"Morgan has done very well at Manly. I’m happy for him,’’ Dias said.
“He is the same cheeky person now as he was back then. A bit of a larrikin who always had the talent to succeed.
“To be here now with Morgan is just great. It would be mad if we could play an NRL game together.
"I'm loving my time here at Manly. I know the forward pack is strong and it’s going to be tough to crack into.
“For me, it’s all about working hard. I've go to be prepared in case an opportunity arrives. I’ve had a taste of first grade now and I want more of it.”
Dias also has another familiar face at Manly in former Wests Tigers team-mate Kelma Tuilagi.
“Kelma is a hitman. The best line runner,’’ Dias said.
“He is a special player. I have no doubt he will do well at Manly."
