It was a proud day today for three of the Canberra Raiders NRL squad, with the news that Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Joel Thompson and Travis Waddell have all been selected for the Indigenous All-Stars v NRL All-Stars match on the Gold Coast on February 13.

The Raiders trio were selected in the 20 man squad when it was announced today on the Gold Coast, with Learoyd-Lahrs inclusion based on fan voting, while Waddell and Thompson made the side based on Indigenous All-Star Coach Neil Henry and the ARL Indigenous Councils selection.

All three Raiders said making the side was a tremendous honour for themselves and their families and Learoyd-Lahrs said the match was a great way to highlight respect and the tradition of indigenous Australian’s.

“My heritage is Aboriginal and South Sea Islander and I’m really happy that I can represent my people for this match,” Learoyd-Lahrs said. “The whole concept of an Indigenous All-Stars v NRL All-Stars match is very exciting and I’m glad I can be a part of it.”

Joel Thompson said he was also very proud to be selected in the team and said he looked forward to playing alongside his Raiders team mates and represent his people.

“I missed the chance to play for the Aboriginal dreamtime team back in 2008 through injury but now I get the chance to represent the Raiders and my family,” Thompson said. “Having Tommy and Travis there is also a big plus and its going to be a great game when it rolls around in February.”

Travis Waddell was at home today as he recovered from some minor off-season surgery, but said he too was thrilled to be involved in the game.

“Like the whole squad I’m proud to be given the chance to play in this game and having only played one year of NRL footy I feel very lucky,” Waddell said. “To get to play alongside guys like Jonathan Thurston and Scott Prince will be awesome.”

The Indigenous All-Stars team will take on the NRL All-Stars team (TBA) at Skilled Park on the Gold Coast on February 13.

Indigenous All-Stars

Carl Webb
Corey Paterson
Daine Laurie
George Rose
Greg Inglis
Jamal Idris
Jamie Soward
Jharal Yow Yeh
Joel Thompson
Jonathan Thurston
Justin Hodges
Nathan Merritt
P J Marsh
Preston Campbell (C)
Sam Thaiday
Scott Prince
Tom Learoyd-Lahrs
Travis Waddell
Wendell Sailor
Yileen Gordon

Coach: Neil Henry