Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Johnathan Thurston, Scott Prince, Wendell Sailor and Sam Thaiday are just some of the names unveiled today at the announcement of the first ever Indigenous All Stars team to play the NRL All Stars at the Gold Coast’s Skilled Park on February 13.
The stellar line-up of Rugby League stars represents the greatest gathering of indigenous talent ever brought together in a single team.
NRL Chief Executive, David Gallop, today joined Queensland Minister for Child Safety and Sport, The Honourable Phil Reeves and Indigenous All Stars coach, Neil Henry, at Parliament House, Brisbane, as the Chairman of the ARL Indigenous Council Chairman, William ‘Smiley’ Johnstone announced the following team:
Player | Club |
Carl Webb | North Queensland Cowboys |
Cory Paterson | Newcastle Knights |
Daine Laurie | Penrith Panthers |
George Rose | Manly Sea Eagles |
Greg Inglis | Melbourne Storm |
Jamal Idris | Canterbury Bulldogs |
Jamie Soward | St George Illawarra Dragons |
Jharal Yow Yeh * | Brisbane Broncos |
Joel Thompson * | Canberra Raiders |
Johnathan Thurston | North Queensland Cowboys |
Justin Hodges | Brisbane Broncos |
Nathan Merritt | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
PJ Marsh | Brisbane Broncos |
Preston Campbell © | Gold Coast Titans |
Sam Thaiday | Brisbane Broncos |
Scott Prince | Gold Coast Titans |
Tom Learoyd-Lahrs | Canberra Raiders |
Travis Waddell * | Canberra Raiders |
Wendell Sailor | St George Illawarra Dragons |
Yileen Gordon | Canterbury Bulldogs |
*Neil Henry and ARL Indigenous Council selected players.
Over three weeks more than 17,000 fans contributed to the selection process, choosing the Indigenous All Stars team.
The fans were asked to select 16-players to join Captain Preston Campbell in the inaugural Indigenous All Stars team. Coach, Neil Henry, in consultation with the ARL Indigenous Council has selected a further three players to lock in the 20-man squad.
“The fans have picked an incredible team,” NRL Chief Executive, David Gallop said today.}
“There is going to be a real sense of anticipation building around just who fans will select in the NRL All Stars.
“There is no doubt that this will be a spectacular start to 2010.
“It’s a match the players are looking forward to and today it has received backing from Harvey Norman, Jet Star, Coca Cola and AAMI.
“The fans have shown their support both in terms of ticket sales and through their role as selectors and they’ve done great job.”
Today also saw the announcement that Harvey Norman have signed on as the naming rights sponsor for the Rugby League All Stars game. The 2010 season sees the Australian retailer continue a 12-year association with Rugby League.
Jet Star have been named as the official sleeve sponsor of the Indigenous All Stars team and AAMI will also continue its affiliation with the game, with the insurance company sponsoring the referees for the inaugural match.
The public has showed tremendous support for the match, with more than 16,000 tickets already sold. Groups are travelling from far and wide for the game, including the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Canberra and South Australia.
Category 1 and 2 tickets are almost sold out and fans are being encouraged to get in quick to lock in their seat at Skilled Park. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketek outlets, on 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au.
