Although relishing his new role in the Melbourne backrow, Adam Blair will happily return to the front row for the NRL All-Stars match later this month.

As New Zealand vice-captain, Blair was an automatic selection for the NRL All-Stars side to play the Indigenous All-Stars on the Gold Coast on February 13.

Two of his teammates - Cameron Smith and Billy Slater - are also in the NRL side, while gun centre Greg Inglis is among the indigenous players.

Blair moved from prop to the Storm backrow late last season and the switch was an integral part of Melbourne's surge to the NRL grand final, where they triumphed over Parramatta.

The talented 23 year old was one of their best in the decider, enjoying the freedom that came with playing wider.

Having played lock for the Kiwis in the recent Four Nations, he said he was now eyeing off that position at the Storm, which was vacated by the surprise departure of Dallas Johnson to France.

"I've got a little bit of skill and being in the front-row it kind of shuts you down a little bit from using your skill. Getting out wide gives you the opportunity to start using a bit of foot-work in trying to use those one-on-ones to look for the off-loads," Blair said.

"Near the latter part of the season I started playing some pretty good footy."

Blair has been training in the Storm backrow although injury to a number of their props could see him return, at least temporarily, to the front row.

He's expecting that to be the case for the All-Stars in the Skilled Stadium clash.

"I'm assuming I'm going to be in the front row but I don't really mind where I play as long as I'm a part of something special," he said.

"It's going to be a big moment in my life and I'm going to be looking back on it, as everyone will be."

As a Kiwi, Blair misses out on State of Origin football and said he was thrilled by the opportunity to play alongside the likes of Australian skipper Darren Lockyer.

"I wouldn't have the chance to play with him if I wasn't picked in this team, but I now go into camp next week and it will be a good chance to have a chat and talk to those blokes who have done it all before," he said.

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