Maitland junior Pasami Saulo will be a noticeable absentee when the Newcastle Knights run onto Maitland Sportstground to take on the St George Illawarra Dragons on Saturday.
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The young Knights prop will be on the Gold Coast after being drafted into the Maori All Stars squad for the clash with the Indigenous All Stars on Saturday.
The giant 21-year-old has been a hugely popular figure among young fans on his return trips to Maitland Sportsground with the Knights, but there will be nothing but well-wishes for him as he pushes to become a regular first grader.
He has played just six NRL games off the bench over the past two seasons but has just signed a new two year deal.
The call-up to the Maori side came after a quick relay of calls between Saulo, his father and his manager confirmed his Maori heritage.
Knights coach Adam O'Brien confirmed Saulo's All Stars call-up after he was among a host of players to stand out for the club in their run to the quarter finals at the NRL Nines in Perth.
"I was really happy with Pasami and he's got himself a start in the Maori All Stars team, so he'll be playing in that game which will be a big thrill for him," O'Brien said.
"I thought he really stood up for us and both he and Jirah [Momoisea] didn't look out of place at all. Their careers are just starting out but they didn't look out of place and we are going to see plenty of them at this level."
Saulo said he was buzzing with excitement when O'Brien passed on the news of his selection in the team beside Knights teammate Kalyn Ponga.
"This will be my first senior rep side, I don't know how to explain it, I'm still buzzing," he said.
"I haven't played with any of these boys, having KP there by my side will be awesome. He will be able to teach me a few things."
Fellow Coalfields players Maitland junior Matt Soper-Lawler and Cessnock's Brodie Jones will both be eager to impress after scoring a try each at the Nines.
A bumper crowd is already assured for Saturday's trial match with more than 4000 tickets already sold. Grandstand tickets went quickly, but officials assured fans there was still plenty of general admission tickets available. They can be purchased online at Maitland Events or on the day at the gate.
