You voted for them... now here they are!<br><br>Introducing the first ever Indigenous All Stars team:<b><br><br>Carl Webb </b><br>North Queensland Cowboys <br> <br>“Having been involved in a number of Indigenous teams it has always been a dream to play in a team with all the top players. To have legends like Rony Gibbs, Cliff Lyons and Gorden Tallis involved only makes me more grateful to be involved in the original event”<br><br><b>Cory Paterson </b><br>Newcastle Knights <br><br>“This will be the biggest game I have ever been a part of. I’m just really excited and honoured to have the chance to play in such an awesome game. I can’t wait to play with so many incredible players.”<br><br><b>Daine Laurie </b> <br>Penrith Panthers <br> <br>“I’ve always dreamed of playing in an Indigenous NRL side with all the boys available. I can’t wait!”<br><br><b>George Rose </b> <br>Manly Sea Eagles <br><br>"Anybody who knows me knows how passionate I am about my people.<br>This rates with any other honour in the game.”<br><br><b>Greg Inglis </b> <br>Melbourne Storm <br><br>“Every time I play I’m not only representing my team. I am also representing my family name and my Aboriginal culture. They represent who and what I am.”<br><br><b>Jamal Idris </b> <br>Canterbury Bulldogs <br><br>“Playing in this team would be like playing at Forster Mission while I was growing up. I think 80 or 90 of my family will make the trip to see me play.”<br><br><b>Jamie Soward </b><br>St George Illawarra Dragons <br><br>“It’s a massive effort for Preston to have been involved in the development of the game. Having tasted the experience when I played with him in the Dreamtime team last year I know how much it means to our people."<br><b><br>Jharal Yow Yeh </b><br>Brisbane Broncos <br><br>“This is the highest honour of my football career. I have ambitions to play for Queensland and Australia and this is on the same level. I am so happy for my family.”<br><br><b>Joel Thompson </b><br>Canberra Raiders <br><br>“After missing out last year (through injury) I thought I was no chance. I will be playing for my cousins and all my Aboriginal relatives.”<br><br><b>Johnathan Thurston </b><br>North Queensland Cowboys <br><br>''It's a great concept and I think the benefits off the field for our communities is going to be huge. It's more than just football to them - it's about recognition and being represented, and I couldn't be prouder to be part of that for my people.”<br><br><b>Justin Hodges </b> (<b>Note:</b> Justin Hodges has been ruled out through injury. He will be replaced by Cronulla's Blake Ferguson)<br><br>Brisbane Broncos <br><br>“I have always been passionate about my culture and my people. To represent them in this event will be a moment I will never forget.”<br><br><b>Nathan Merritt </b><br>South Sydney Rabbitohs <br><br>“It will be the proudest moment in my football career. I’ve played Aboriginal knockout football but this will be the ultimate experience playing with the likes of Preston, Thurston and Inglis – it will be awesome.”<br><b><br>PJ Marsh </b><br>Brisbane Broncos <br><br>“I’ve always had a connection with Indigenous people but to discover my heritage three years ago will make this an emotional experience for me”<br><br><b>Preston Campbell © </b><br>Gold Coast Titans <br><br>“The game intends to bring important new initiatives to our youth through the programs it will fund and the opportunities it will provide.<br>We want to listen to these kids and encourage them to not only dream but to live their dreams.”<br><br><b>Sam Thaiday </b> <br>Brisbane Broncos <br> <br>“To represent the people of the Torres Strait will be one of the proudest moments of my career. We hope it will inspire all kids to follow their dreams.”<br><br><b>Scott Prince </b> <br>Gold Coast Titans <br> <br>"It would be an honour to represent my people against the best of the rest in the NRL. Also playing alongside some of the most talented sportspeople in Australia, including the likes of Inglis, Thurston, Presto and of course, dual international/Danny Glover body double, Big Dell" <br><br><b>Tom Learoyd-Lahrs </b><br>Canberra Raiders <br><br>“To represent the Indigenous peoples of Australia will be a huge honour and to play alongside some of the best players in the game is also something I am excited about.”<br><br><b>Travis Waddell </b><br>Canberra Raiders <br><br>“It’s awesome and beyond my wildest dreams. When I was told I couldn’t believe it. It will mean so much to my family.”<br><b><br>Wendell Sailor </b> <br>St George Illawarra Dragons <br><br>“It’s important to remember where you came from and hopefully we will help young Indigenous kids to believe in their culture, their ability and their identity.”<br><br><b>Yileen Gordon </b> <br>Canterbury Bulldogs <br><br>“This will go above and beyond last year and I am just happy to be part of the team. The honour of representing my people is something very special to me.”<br><br><br>Over three weeks more than 17,000 fans contributed to the selection process, choosing the Indigenous All Stars team. <br><br>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.<br><br>“The fans have picked an incredible team,” NRL Chief Executive, David Gallop said today.<br><br>“There is going to be a real sense of anticipation building around just who fans will select in the NRL All Stars.<br><br>“There is no doubt that this will be a spectacular start to 2010.<br><br>“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.<br><br>“The fans have shown their support both in terms of ticket sales and through their role as selectors and they’ve done great job.”<br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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 <b><a href="http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=NRLALLST10&searchId=00df110a-a7b0-48f8-83c4-878ac23efd14">www.ticketek.com.au</a></b>.<br><br>The Rugby League All Stars game will take place at Skilled Park on the Gold Coast, February 13, 2010. <br>
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National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
