Justin Toomey-White still fondly remembers learning from "legends" during the 2013 Group 11 All Stars match, something which makes his appointment as coach of this year's Indigenous outfit even more special.
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All Stars footy will return in April when a Group 11 Indigenous outfit travels to Cowra to take on its Group 10 counterpart at Sid Kallas Oval.
The fixture got the go-ahead at the weekend's Group 11 committee meeting when the board gave it the tick of approval.
Group 10 officials and players had been keen on the concept for some time but it gained serious momentum in Group 11 in recent weeks following a push from Wellington Cowboys and Western Rams winger Aidan Ryan.
Plans have come together quickly, with a league tag and seniors match to be played at Cowra on Saturday, April 18.
The matches will replace the pre-existing Group 10 All Stars fixture.
Kaitlyn Mason will coach the Group 11 league tag side at Cowra and Toomey-White will coach the senior outfit and while the lineup is yet to be confirmed he's likely to play and be captain as well.
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Toomey-White was part of competition's last Indigenous side in 2013.
That was during Group 11 All Stars weekend and the team was coached by former NRL player David Peachey.
"I remember being part of that and the night before and day of the game. To be coached by legends and play in that game was an amazing feeling ... and we're really looking forward to having this concept back," he said.
"It's a really exciting feeling to go out there and play for your people and represent your families and community. It's something we're going to hold close."
Toomey-White said much of the credit for the return of the fixture went to his Cowboys teammate Ryan and the Group 10 Indigenous side's captain Will Ingram agreed.
"I spoke with Aidan November last year and the idea was bounced around a little bit, but with the no from Group 11 it stalled a bit," Ingram said.
"There's obviously been plenty of support for Aidan and the boys though and we're happy to be involved and do something, and it's really snowballed.
"It will be great. Group 11's free-flowing footy up against the talent and structure of Group 10."
Toomey-White congratulated Ryan for starting the conversation in Group 11 with a post on social media last month, while he also offered to organise the fixture's revival himself.
"It was awesome to see so many people get onboard and comment ... full credit goes to Aidan and the Group 11 board," he said.
"This game means a lot and for Group 11 to support it just shows how amazing this competition is."
Toomey-White also hoped the match could prove a starting point for a bigger and better fixture in the future and Ingram indicated there's already discussions about further growing the idea, with potential for a Western Koori side to be named and then play games in the future.
While not confirmed yet the Group 11 side for the match at Cowra could be chosen by popular vote from the public, much like the NRL All Stars team.
Group 10 side will be picked after selectors get a glimpse of this year's sides at the Bathurst Knockout.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
