It wasn't easy, but the Group 11 selectors have come up with a 20-man squad ahead of April's blockbuster Indigenous All Stars clash with Group 10.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Roughly 70 players were available for selection but selectors have opted for a mix of youth and experience ahead of what shapes as a special event at Cowra's Sid Kallas Oval on April 18.
Justin Toomey-White is captain-coach of the squad and while there were some players unavailable it is still a lineup loaded with power up front and plenty of youthful energy in the backs.
"We'll be there to do Group 11 proud and show how much it means," Group 11 player and team manager Aidan Ryan said.
"It will be an honour to represent this side and wear the jersey."
Toomey-White and Ryan are two of seven Wellington Cowboys in the squad which was confirmed on Tuesday while seven from Dubbo CYMS have also been named.
Two each from Forbes and Nyngan and one each from Parkes and Macquarie also made the cut.
While the likes of Ryan, Toomey-White, CYMS recruit Mark Merritt and Parkes' Wes Middleton provide a huge amount of experience, the chance to see a host of younger players take the field will be one of the biggest attractions for Group 11 fans.
Aiden Lake of CYMS and Forbes' Jack Hartwig haven't got a huge amount of first grade games under their belts, but Ryan can't wait to see them take in everything involved with being part of such a special match.
"From what I've heard they're future stars and it will be good to give them a taste of an important game like this," he said.
"They put their hand up to be selected and they're just out of the 18s ... I'll be glad to lace up the boots beside them and help them achieve their goals."
This match was little more than an idea just a few weeks ago but after Group 11 secretary Paul Loxley said an All Stars match "wasn't a priority" for the competition Ryan led the charge to get something up and running.
Group 10, which already had its own All Stars match, was eager to be part of it and Loxley and the Group 11 committee also jumped on board after seeing the desire within the competition.
"I've got full respect for Group 11 for coming jumping on and I know they'll be there for it," Ryan said.
"It's really important to me. I'm very fond of my culture and heritage and this is something I'll hold close to my heart and will take a lot of pride and passion into it."
While there is a huge amount of pride in just having the fixture locked in and being named in the side, there is a huge amount of desire within Group 11 to get on over their rivals.
The Group 10 squad is yet to be confirmed but premiership-winning winger Ryan has no doubts it will also be one loaded with star power.
"It will be an honour just to play but winning is another thing. All the fellas will be hungry and I know once we gel at training we'll get the belief," Ryan said.
"Group 10 will have a powerhouse side with guys like Blake Lawson, Zac Merritt, Warren Williams and Jeremy Gordon. They're all quality but I know Justin will talk about belief and attitude and that's what we'll work on and hopefully it's enough to get us home.
"It will be a close game, for sure."
The strength well may lie in Group 11's forwards with Toomey-White set to be joined in an imposing pack by Macquarie captain-coach Alex Ronayne, Corey Cox, Kavanagh brothers Jack and Wade, and Cowboys youngsters Wade Peachey and Mac Dutfield.
The backline will feature the explosive power of Will Lousick, Jesse Wighton and Bailey Hartwig while Mason Williams, Jai Merritt, Alex Bonham, and new Nyngan recruit Farren Lamb can provide a huge amount of creativity.
Captain-coach Toomey-White is in the process of organising a number of training sessions in the lead-up to the game.
The Group 11 league tag squad will also play at Cowra but the lineup is yet to be confirmed.
- GROUP 11: 1. Will Lousick, 2. Aiden Lake, 3. Brock Naden, 4. Jesse Wighton, 5. Aidan Ryan, 6. Mason Williams, 7. Jai Merritt, 8. Jack Kavanagh, 9. Wes Middleton, 10. Justin Toomey-White, 11. Alex Ronayne, 12. Corey Cox, 13. Wade Kavanagh, 14. Alex Bonham, 15. Mark Merritt, 16. Mac Dutfield, 17. Farren Lamb, 18. Bailey Hartwig, 19. Wade Peachey, 20. Jack Hartwig.
Read also: