NRLW stars answer call to headline showcase event
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A mix of NRLW stars and rising talent headline the women's Harvey Norman All Stars clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, to be played before the men's fixture in Townsville on February 20.
The Indigenous All Stars bounced back with a 10-4 victory over the Maori Ferns in the corresponding game last year after suffering an 8-4 loss in the inaugural clash in 2019.
Both teams have undergone significant squad turnover due to injuries, retirements and border travel restrictions, but still feature a total of 20 players who have represented NRLW clubs.
The Indigenous side will field eight NRLW players and will be well led by an experienced forward pack that includes Origin representatives Tallisha Harden, Shaylee Bent and Quincy Dodd.
They'll be coached by Ian Bourke, who has replaced Ben Jeffries.
"It's a very youthful, energetic and enthusiastic squad," Bourke told NRL.com.
"We've had a few girls pull out due to injury concerns so it's given some young girls the opportunity in this space to showcase their ability.
"I'm really looking forward to watching someone like Jaime Chapman play, and there have been some good reports about Abelee Stanley and Jasmine Peters.
"There are some quality girls coming out of the Queensland catchment area and I'm also looking forward to our young half Akira Kelly and her partnership with Taliah Fuimaono."
International border restrictions have wreaked havoc on the Maori All Stars' campaign with just four players from last year's line-up returning in 2021.
Maori coach Rusty Matua is also unable to travel to Australia to guide the side with Keith Hanley and assistant Lisa Fiaola taking over the duties.
Despite the disruptions, Hanley has named a host of familiar personnel with NSW representatives Botille Vette-Welsh, Corban McGregor and Kennedy Cherrington included in the squad.
Former rugby sevens gold medallist Amy Turner, who missed last year's NRLW campaign with the Broncos through pregnancy, has been included in the Maori squad.
The Broncos will have a further three players from their premiership-winning squad take the field with Raecene McGregor, Shannon Mato and Lavinia Gould included.
Former Kiwi Ferns veteran Rona Peters also returns to the side.
All Stars women's match
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