In training ... Nathan Merritt. Source: The Daily Telegraph

However, league Immortal Arthur Beetson - one of the greatest of all indigenous players - last night said that having two separate teams did not reflect reconciliation.

The inaugural NRL All Stars and Indigenous All Stars clash on the Gold Coast on February 13 is a celebration of the code and its Aboriginal heritage. And Merritt said he would love to see an Aboriginal side become part of the international arena.

Preston Campbell admitted playing for the Dreamtime team against New Zealand Maori in a World Cup curtain-raiser in 2008 was better than his Dally M victory.

Merritt, who does plenty of work for Aboriginal communities, said there was no shortage of talent to make an Indigenous side a force.

"Hopefully this All Stars game will be a stepping stone for us one day playing at a World Cup," Merritt said.

The Rabbitohs flyer, who was helping to promote a government indigenous education and training program at Redfern Oval yesterday, said he can't wait for the All Stars clash.

"Being a part of this team is the greatest achievement I've had in rugby league," he said. "It will be a great occasion, especially getting to play alongside Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston - two guys who only come about in this game once every 30 years.

"I've played with 'JT' in the Prime Minister's XIII in 2006, and played against 'GI'. I'm glad I'm playing with him. I've only seen the NRL All Stars on paper and it's strong, but we can only worry about our own side.

"I think we'll be really competitive and playing with plenty of passion and pride. Hopefully this will not be the last game [for us]."

One obvious sticking point to an indigenous side would be asking Thurston, Inglis and others to turn their backs on the Kangaroos.

Beetson said the All Stars game was a brilliant concept but he did not want international fixtures involving an Aboriginal outfit.

"At the end of the day, I think an indigenous side would be strong, but you want players playing for your country - Australians represent their country," he said.

"I don't agree with having an Aboriginal side and an Australian side. Greg Inglis should play for Australia, Johnathan Thurston play for Australia.

"Even Nathan Merritt one day should play for Australia if he's good enough."

Merritt added that Souths' pre-season was shaping up well and he would steer well clear of new recruit Dave Taylor when he takes on the NRL All Stars.