Simone Smith excited to be back on Dunghutti country to represent Indigenous All-Stars

From the region, Talisa Daley Button, Amelia Blair jnr, Taylor Kelly-Scholes, Priscilla Archibald, Kirra-Lee Davis and Jamie Lee Morris have all been chosen with those girls representing Lower Macleay and Macleay Valley.

Kempsey born Simone Smith will coach the women's side and is excited to pull on the jersey after injury ruled her out of the inaugural game.

Smith's no stranger to the concept, having represented the Indigenous All-Stars on the NRLW stage.

"I missed out in 2019 so it's exciting I get to coach and play this year," she told the Argus.

"It's a massive concept, it's such a special game they've put on and I'm glad they're having it again this year."

While residing in Port Macquarie now and playing for the Port Breakers, she understands how huge this game will be for the Kempsey community.

"It brings excitement for the players involved and I think it's a good opportunity for both indigenous and non-indigenous players to showcase their skills and to continue closing the gap and having that awareness of indigenous culture coming together with non-indigenous culture," she said.

"The game being in Kempsey this year makes it that bit more exciting given everyone loves their footy here and it's a big footy community."

Gates will open at Verge Street Oval 10:30am with a $7 admission fee for adults, $4 for pensioners and no charge for children under 16.

Juniors will kick off at 11, women's at 1:45 and men's 2:45.

The women couldn't be more thrilled to be running out after their three training sessions.

"[Being able to represent your culture] is the pinnacle for us, it's always an exciting time to represent your mob and your community and family and all indigenous people of this nation and other nations," Smith explained.

"The girls are really looking forward to it and can't wait to get out there and hopefully put on a good performance.

"Regardless [of the result], it'll be a great day."

Indigenous All-Stars squad:

Nakita Binge, Talisa Daley Button, Jamie-Lee Morris, Amelia Blair jnr, Taylor Kelly-Scholes, Shelby Grainger, Simone Smith, Natika Ridgeway, Corrina Latimore, Sheridan Clarke, Tiarra Campbell, Sarah Grofos, Stephanie Ostler, Priscilla Archibald, Caitlin Miller, Brearna Hoole, Kirra-Lee Davis, Shontai Fernando (shadow).

All-Stars squad:

Holly Auld, Ocean Cole, Maddison Williams, Emily Lester, Teleah Waitoa, Natalie Towle, Naomi George, Emily Wright, Renee Clarke, Nicole Pender, Jonty Hemmingway, Kaley Barnett, Natalie Watson, Brooke Atkins, Chelsea Green, Danielle Buttsworth, Amanda Hansen.

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