Played under lights in Bega, the headline event will feature the Indigenous Dream Team v All Stars. 

Bega rugby league advocate Allan Wilton is excited for the contest.

“The Indigenous squad has a tremendous line-up with captain coach  Mason Harrison from Batemans Bay,   Bega’s Kane Morgan,  back-rower John Aldridge, who has returned to the Eden club and Moruya’s devastating Brierely brothers, Aaron, Kaine and Kyle,” Wilton said. 

Kyle is described as a hard-hitting back-rower, who has returned to the Moruya Sharks to play alongside his brothers. 

Not to be outdone the All Stars are also boasting a formidable line-up, especially in the front lines. 

“The All Stars have a strong and talented set of forwards led by Bega Roosters coach Ryan Apps, Moruya Sharks coach and prop Tim Weyman, and Cooma Stallions coach and talented back-rower Todd Williams,” Wilton said. 

“All these players are very talented, skillful  and strong physical footballers.

“The clash in the forwards will certainly generate some interest.”

The night will also feature Group 16’s first full-contact women’s match in a north v south format. 

“Australian representative Kezie Apps and  Kane Morgan have been helping to prepare the ladies’ teams for the extra physical full contact game,” Wilton said. 

 “This game could be the highlight of the evening and will ensure plenty of entertainment for what is expected to be a large crowd.

“The ladies game may even set the tone for what will be a bruising encounter for the Indigenous v All Stars game.”

Roosters president Garry Arkin said Kezie Apps’ recent success with the Australian Jillaroo squad had piqued interest within Group 16 for the match. 

“Kezie’s stunning success in achieving player of the match on the Gold Coast recently has sparked huge interest in the full contact concept within the group,” Arkin said. 

“This will be the first match of its kind  [in the area] and is seen as a fore runner  for the CRL to take notice of.”

Arkin said it is shaping as the strongest Group 16 first grade competition in years and was excited for rep games as an introduction to the year. 

“There is the return of Batemans Bay, Candelo-Kameruka, Bombala and Merimbula-Pambula to the first grade competition,” he said. 

“The only blight on the ledger is that the Tathra Sea Eagles will not be fielding a first grade side and are holding talks with the Merimbula-Pambula club in fielding a reserve grade and under 18s side.”

Group 16 president Dean Lynch is also excited about the launch of the season and was eager to welcome special guests on the night. 

“President John Anderson and CRL CEO Terry Quinn will be in attendance as well as local elders, mayors and the Member for Bega and State Treasurer Andrew Constance,” Lynch said. 

Between the women’s game and main game, Lynch will also make a special cheque presentation to Declan Bower-Scott. 

Declan has been chosen to play in a European tour and Group 16 is donating $500 towards his costs. 

This year will also mark the return of Group 16 to representative football, with the Indigenous v All Stars match acting as a trial for players. 

Wilton said the match acting as a selection trial “would ensure a competitive game” as players work hard to get their name on the roster. 

The Group 16 Nines tournament will be held the following week in Eden at George Brown Memorial Oval.