The concept has been overhauled with the World All Stars side being replaced for the clash at Melbourne's AAMI Park in mid-February.

The pre-season contest has been plagued by player withdrawals and the inclusion of a Maori side was seen as a way of combating the issue.

It's hoped the lure of representing their culture will ensure some of the game's top-line stars take part in the exhibition match.

Australian Test representatives Dane Gagai, Valentine Holmes, Jordan McLean and James Tamou are all eligible to pledge their allegiance to the rival trans-Tasman team.

Gagai is one of four players - along with Reimis Smith, Javid Bowen and Josh Hoffman - left with a decision to make before the January voting window, NRL.com reports.

Other eligible high-profile recruits for the Maoris Kiwis team include Kalyn Ponga, Jordan Rapana, Corey Norman, Benji Marshall, Jesse Bromwich, Issac Luke, Jordan Rapana and Corey Norman.

The Australian indigenous side is likely to be spoilt for choice with Gagai, Greg Inglis, Josh Addo-Carr, Latrell Mitchell, Andrew Fifita, Jack Bird, Will Chambers and Blake Ferguson in the frame.

Retiring rugby league greats Johnathan Thurston and Sam Thaiday could also potentially don the indigenous jersey for their swansong.

The All-Stars format was absent from this year's rugby league calendar due to concerns about player fatigue after the 2017 World Cup.

But it will return in 2019.

It also marks the first time the game has been played in Melbourne after being staged in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Newcastle in previous years.

"The All-Stars concept has been popular with crowds across the country and abroad since it first commenced back in 2010," NRL head of football Brian Canavan said.

"In 2019, we're taking the All-Stars to another level - paying homage to Australian and New Zealand First Nations cultures and celebrating the unique bond between both countries."

The match will also be a double-header with a women's game to act as a curtain raiser.

Australian Associated Press