The Women's and Indigenous Women's All Stars teams to take the field as part of the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars match on Saturday, February 13 in Brisbane were named earlier this month by the NRL.
This will be the fifth match for the women as part of the fixture, with the level of competition stepping up again next year, thanks to increased women's pathways nationally and female participation levels across the game at an all-time high.
The Indigenous team will field five debutants, whilst the All Stars will have six new faces in the team.
Both teams will be captained by Queenslanders - with national skipper Steph Hancock to guide the All Stars while Tallisha Harden will lead the Indigenous All Stars. Both women were present at the naming of the men's teams at Suncorp Stadium.
Watch the video of the teams announcement here
Read the team line-ups here: Maroons headline All Stars teams
Indigenous All Stars coach Dean Widders was full of praise for his team, most of who had participated in an extended Indigenous squad skills camp and trial match a month ago.
"We have chosen a side of young women from all walks of life and they share one dream – to play rugby league for their communities and represent their peoples," Widders said.
"There will be plenty of passion on display when the team runs out onto Suncorp Stadium to take on the All Stars and I hope fans get to the ground early for what will be a great match."
All Stars women's coach, Steve Folkes said the match was a fantastic opportunity to promote women in sport to a wide-ranging audience.
"We have more women than ever enjoying our game and playing in competitions right around the country," Folkes said.
"There are very few women's teams that get the chance to play at a world-class venue such as Suncorp Stadium and I have no doubt that both teams will soak up the surroundings – I am expecting a tough match!"
Both teams will join the Men's All Stars and Touch Football All Stars teams in camp as part of the build-up in Brisbane ahead of the fixture at Suncorp Stadium.
Tickets are on sale now at www.nrl.com/tickets, with prices starting at $20 for an adult and $50 for a family pass providing admission for all three matches.
Fans can purchase their All Stars merchandise at www.nrlshop.com and click on 'teams'.
For all the details on the week-long celebration and match, head to www.nrl.com/allstars.
Indigenous Women’s All Stars |
Women’s All Stars |
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The NRL also named the Women’s Jillaroos team to take on New Zealand at the Auckland Nines in 2016.
Read the full story at NRL.com.au: New Jillaroos to debut at Auckland Nines
The full team selected for the 2016 Nines is:
1 Allana Ferguson
2 Annette Brander
3 Brittany Breayley
4 Casey Karklis
5 Chelsea Baker
6 Corban McGregor
7 Jenni-Sue Hoepper
8 Karina Brown
9 Kezie Apps
10 Kody House
11 Maddie Studdon
12 Renae Kunst
13 Ruan Sims
14 Sam Hammond
15 Steph Hancock
16 Vanessa Foliaki
Coach: Steve Folks
Assistant Coach: Adrian Vowles
