Maori captain's 'nervous' revelation for All Stars

Joseph Tapine will find himself in a unique spot on Friday night, representing both the Maori and Indigenous side of his family in the NRL All Stars clash.

The 29-year-old will captain the Maori side in Townsville on Friday night, adding to his growing status as one of the game's elite forwards and leaders.

Tapine will square off against Latrell Mitchell, who will be skipper for the Indigenous team for the first time in his rugby league career, in what promises to be an emotional and intense night of footy at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

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But this year's clash means more to Tapine than ever before, with his wife Kirsten - who is of Indigenous background - and his young daughter Ilua watching on.

Speaking at the press conference on Thursday morning, the Raiders enforcer revealed he will lead a special part of the Haka to pay tribute to his family and admitted the emotions will be running high.

"It's huge, she [Kirsten] is very passionate about her culture as well and she does a lot around that space," Tapine said.

"I'm representing both cultures . I've got something planned for when I lead part of the Haka to acknowledge her as well.

Watch the NRL All Stars clash on Friday February 16 live and free on Nine and 9Now

"Our cultural advisor hit us up about it. I'm probably more nervous about that part than the game. I don't want to stuff it up, it will mean a lot to me.

"There's a lot of emotion and I'm an emotional fella ... I'm trying to keep that in."

With over 180 games of NRL experience to his name and 18 Tests for New Zealand, Tapine reiterated the importance of the All Stars and ranked it among the highest honours of his career to lead his Maori teammates onto the field.

He will be joined by Sharks second-rower Briton Nikora as part of the leadership group in the annual contest, with the softly spoken Sharks star remaining as reserved as ever in the lead-up.

"When I first played, I was one of the younger boys," he said.

"I was a bit hesitant at the start, but I'm obviously honoured to do this. It's still the same - not too much chat, I'll leave it to these other boys."

This year's NRL All Stars game will kick off at 8.10pm AEDT.