Indigenous squad announced
South Sydney’s Chris Sandow today celebrated winning the inaugural George Green Medal as the NRL’s Indigenous Rising Star with selection in the Indigenous squad to play at the Rugby League World Cup.
Canberra Raiders coach Neil Henry will lead the Indigenous team, which will tackle New Zealand Maori in the “Welcome to Country” game as part of the Rugby League World Cup’s Opening Ceremony festivities at the Sydney Football Stadium on October 26.
Sandow has been a revelation in the NRL and Toyota Cup this season, his outstanding form on the field complementing his work a sports development traineeship with South Sydney Juniors.
Next year, Sandow will study community development and work in a mentoring project at Alexandria Community School as part of Souths Cares community initiative.
“Indigenous players boast a proud history of achievement in Rugby League and this award recognises the achievements of the next generation of Indigenous stars in our game,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.
“Congratulations to Chris on his award and to all the nominees for their outstanding contribution to the game and to the community.”
The Honourable Linda Burney, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Youth and Minister for Volunteering, hosted today’s George Green Medal presentation in the Members Dining Room at NSW Parliament House.
The George Green Medal – named in honour of the first Indigenous player to play Rugby League – is presented to the rising Indigenous star selected from eligible players in their first year playing at either the NRL or Toyota Cup level.
The Minister congratulated the NRL on an award that reflects the contribution of Indigenous people to the game, with 11% of NRL players having an Indigenous heritage.
“Rugby League has been part of the social fabric of Indigenous communities across NSW and Queensland,” the Minister said.
“This recognition of young achievers coming through the game will give further inspiration to the youth who aspire to emulate their heroes.
“The NRL has also sent a positive message to Indigenous youth by combining this award with an educational scholarship.
“It reinforces that to be successful in any field of life you need to have a sound education and the game has set new standards in its Toyota Cup by ensuring players have the opportunity to work or study.”
The World Cup “Welcome to Country” game will continue the celebration of a century of Indigenous talent.
Neil Henry said it was an “absolute honour” to be invited to coach the Indigenous team.
“Indigenous players contribute so much to the game of Rugby League,” he said.
“My task will be to ensure the players have the opportunity to display their talent and to celebrate this opportunity to represent their people.
“Having worked with many of our Indigenous players, I understand how significant this event will be for them.”
The full Indigenous squad (including players announced in provisional national squads) is:
Coach: Neil Henry Assistant Coach: Jeff Hardy
Selectors: Arthur Beetson (Chair), Larry Corowa, Ricky Walford
Media Manager: Matt Bowen
Fullbacks: David Peachey (Roving Ambassador), Preston Campbell (Titans) Rhys Wesser, Jarrod Sammut (Penrith), Nathan Merritt (Souths), Amos Roberts (Roosters), Josh Hoffman (Broncos), Ben Orcher (Sharks), Marty Paulsen (Knights), Jade Williams (Central Coast)
Wingers: Ty Williams, Obadiah Geia, Sam Bowie (Cowboys), Brenton Bowen, Esi Tonga, Ben Jeffries (Titans), Justin Carney (Raiders), Michael Lett, Wendell Sailor (Dragons), Jharal Yow Yeh and Reece Robinson (Broncos), Michael Bani (Manly), Travis Robinson (Sharks), Dane Nielson (Storm), Rod Jensen (UK)
Centres: Greg Inglis, Will Chambers (Storm), Justin Hodges (Broncos), Beau Champion, Jamie Simpson (Souths), Willie Tonga (Cowboys), Brad Tighe (Panthers), Donald Malone (Queensland Cup), Matt Sing, Sid Domic (UK)
Halves: Johnathan Thurston (Cowboys), Scott Prince (Titans), Jamie Soward (Dragons), Maurice Blair (Panthers), Chris Sandow (Souths), Joe Williams, Ben Barba (Bulldogs), Luke Walsh (Knights), Ben Jeffries (UK)
Backrow: Sam Thaiday, Palmer Wapau, Derricke Watkins (Broncos), Dean Widders, Yileen Gordon (Souths), Cory Patterson (Knights), Clifford Morris, Matt Mundine, Jardine Bobongie (Dragons), Joel Thompson (Raiders), Justin Smith (Cowboys), Leigh Coghill (Queensland Cup)
Front Row: Carl Webb (Cowboys), Daine Laurie (Wests Tigers), George Rose (Manly), Daniel Backo (Queensland Cup), Luke Grant (Souths), Fred Briggs (Bulldogs), Peter Jensen (CRL)
Hookers: PJ Marsh (Broncos), Ian Lacey (Queensland Cup), Joel Romelo (Panthers), Travis Waddell (Raiders), Jake Friend (Roosters), Anthony Mitchell (Eels), Michael Young (Knights)