MR: Indig. Allstars named

[JessEel]

Friday November 20, 2009

MEDIA RELEASE​

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.

 

[Gronk]

Is Neil Henry Indigenous ?

 

[eel01s]

Wasn't the side to include one player from each club, or is that the other team?

 

[diab0lik]

the other team

 

[diab0lik]

does that mean tahu will miss 2 trials? or was he selected for the team but suspended?

 

[born an eel]

so one team gets to choose whoever they want but the other has to pick a token Rooster and shark player, doesn't seem fair. Same rules should apply to each.

 

[Gronk]

so one team gets to choose whoever they want but the other has to pick a token Rooster and shark player, doesn't seem fair. Same rules should apply to each.

Who's indigenous at the Eels other than Tahu ? Ant Mitchell but he's not had a run in FG as yet.

 

[Rogue.9]

so one team gets to choose whoever they want but the other has to pick a token Rooster and shark player, doesn't seem fair. Same rules should apply to each.

Doesn't exactly seem fair. I think Fui & Hayne both deserve a spot in the all stars team.

 

[PJ Marshal]

good to see yow yeh named he will carve up

 

[born an eel]

Who's indigenous at the Eels other than Tahu ? Ant Mitchell but he's not had a run in FG as yet.

can have a special clause for min qualification, say 30 first grade games. If club doesn't have eligible player they can be exempt.

 

[JessEel]

our three nominees were Jono Wright, Timana and Mitchell

 

[parra-matters]

I can see the excuses if they lose.

 

[Gronk]

good to see yow yeh named he will carve up

Great pic here of JYY owning Sally McLelland on the track.

 

[bartman]

Wendall Sailor :roll:... wish he'd just retire with grace.

 

[born an eel]

Wendall Sailor :roll:... wish he'd just retire with grace.

W.G.Grace retired a while ago but they are about the same age.

 

[JessEel]

ILU George Rose

 

[Suitman]

Wendall Sailor :roll:... wish he'd just retire with grace.

I disagree, although I think he's been selected for his celebrity status. Wendall played pretty well last season. He would have had a starting spot anyway probably.
Nice way for him to go out imo.

Suity

 

[hineyrulz]

Thats a lot of mud.

 

[Raudonikis]

i like that no eels are playing in that team,not risking injury

 

[Hellsy]

I luv Wendall