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Monday, February 7, 2011
Edition 13 (1st birthday)
ISSN: 1837-9176
Local boy ready to play in front of home crowd
Cost: $1.00
INSIDE
Tweed Valley Art Awards P4
Ryan James looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd. DON’T be surprised if you hear the sellout match including a home is a dream,” he said. “I didn’t think I would be Ryan James’ mum screaming ticket for him. from Robina Stadium as her “My family bought tickets selected, but being selected boy takes to the field for the earlier in the year, they even has been the world to me and bought one for me, I didn’t I get to represent my people, Rugby League All Stars match this weekend. know I was in the team then,” where I am from, hopefully the “Every game I’m at I can hear he said. whole community is behind me my mum from the stadium,” he The Bilambil Heights Titans from the Tweed. said. player says his selection is a “I know for me to be in the But it won’t just be his mum, dream come true. team has lifted some of the his family all bought tickets for “To be a local boy playing at community down there.”
TAFE Scholarship Winner P3
Sports program to improve job prospects for school students THE NRL and Federal Government will give 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students the opportunity to improve their career prospects. Two new education and employment programs – the Learn. Earn. Legend! All
Stars Youth Summit and the Learn. Earn. Legend! State of Origin Job Experience encourages young Indigenous Australians to stay in school and aspire to success in the workplace, as well as helping them make the transition
from education to employment. The Learn. Earn. Legend! All Stars Youth Summit will this month provide 120 Indigenous high school students with the experience of a lifetime when they travel from as far as
Elcho Island in the Northern Territory and Derby in Western Australia to the Gold Coast for three days as part of the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars celebrations.
Indigenous All Stars Camp begins P8
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ACPA students to sing National Anthem in Yugambeh language YUGAMBEH language will be heard by a television audience of more than 1.2 million people when Advance Australia Fair is sung at the NRL All Stars football clash this Saturday. It translates to Rise Up Beautiful Country, and will be sung by members of the Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts, managed by Leah Purcell and Bain Stewart.
The song was translated by the Yugambeh Museum, and President Russell Black said it was a proud day for all local people. “Our language was once regarded as lost,” he said. “Now it can be sung to the nation. “That speaks volumes about the many years of work put in by our Elders, community and volunteers through the Yugambeh
Museum. “We thank them all.” Thousands of bookmark size flyers, featuring Yugambeh language, will be given to fans as they arrive at the NRL All Stars match on Saturday night. It features the Yugambeh language version of Advance Australia Fair and words to cheer your team on with, such as Buggerawanna! (win) when they score, and Nullee Na-rair (Let’s play).
Bumelah Festival programs brings in all the stars A COMMUNITY festival will kick off the Rugby League All Stars clash this weekend. The All Stars Bumehlah Festival will start with a careers expo this Friday and Saturday at the Southport Broadwater Parklands. The site will be the packed with market stalls, Aboriginal foods, kids entertainment and more. The NRL has worked with the Yugambeh Museum organisers of The Drumley Walk and Yugambeh Corroboree to engage local talent. Yugambeh Museum director Rory O’Connor SEAN CHOOLBURRA says it will
be a great opportunity for local community to rub shoulders with some of the country’s best known celebrities. Those celebrities include ARIA RORY O’CONNOR Male Artist of the Year Dan Sultan, Microwave Jenny and Deadlys winners Busby Marou. There will also be a performance from Bangarra Dance Theatre on the Friday Night. A giant screen on the site will broadcast the match live on Saturday night, for those not lucky enough to have tickets to the Skilled Park Stadium.
Be Counted Subscription Form 2011
CONTENTS TAFE scholarship winner ........................... P3 Indigenous artists awarded ........................ P4 Recipe ........................................................ P5 Editorial .................................................... P6 James Brown, Harley Bennell .................... P7 All Stars Camp .......................................... P8
This paper acknowledges the traditional owners of the areas of distribution. DISCLAIMER: All material is printed at the discretion of the publishers, but does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY: All letters must be signed (name will be withheld on request) profanity is unacceptable. All letters are subject to editing for clarity by the editor. The publisher or editor of Be Counted reserves the right to edit or withhold from publication any letter for any reason whatsoever. Letters reflect the opinion of the author, not necessarily that of Be Counted or its staff, nor does it take any responsibility of the views stated by those who write to the editor. COPYRIGHT: All material in Be Counted is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission of the publisher. © Be Counted 2010 EDITOR: Solua Middleton PUBLISHER: Solua Middleton Email: becounted.mag@gmail.com Phone: 0411 737 161 Web: www.issuu.com/becounted For advertising rates call 0411 737 161 or email becounted.mag@gmail.com Address: PO BOX 372, Pottsville Beach 2489
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Be Counted would like to thank contributors: Gold Coast United, James Brown, Martie Wighton.
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Monday February 7, 2011
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Scholarship winner closer to reaching his dream job
FIVE Indigenous scholarship his time at the Animal recipient’s lives will change Welfare League, Labrador dramatically in 2011 when Scout Group and Labrador they commence studying at State School. Gold Coast Institute of TAFE. “Last year I was very For one of the scholarship grateful for the opportunity recipients, Christian Maslen of volunteering my time at from Labrador, it is an the Labrador State School opportunity which will bring by assisting the teachers him one step closer to in Prep and Year 4 with reaching his goal of one day general teacher-aid duties becoming an engineer. and working in the library,” “When I received the call he said. to advise my scholarship “I believe my volunteer application was successful work added weight to my I was surprised and really success in obtaining the excited,” he said. Indigenous scholarship “I am so happy and at Gold Coast TAFE and extremely pleased to be urge other people to given this opportunity. make a difference in their “My motivation to study has community.” increased even more as the The other successful scholarship will allow me to Gold Coast Institute concentrate on my studies of TAFE Indigenous and not the financial burden scholarships recipients of tuition and textbook fees, include Bradley Smith which is one of the barriers to (Diploma of Justice), accessing study facing many Corey Streets (Diploma Indigenous Australians. of Hospitality), Mitcham “I hope in the future to Ardler (Diploma of make a positive difference Fitness) and James and assist other young Rowe (Diploma of Indigenous Australians to Management). seize opportunities and Acting Chief Executive realise their potential. Officer, Aaron Devine said “My goal is to complete the the scholarship program Adult Tertiary Preparation had been very successful Scholarship winner Christian Maslen course and gain entry into for past students and Griffith University to study a Bachelor of Engineering. was devised after consultation with the Institute’s Indigenous “I am committed to completing my studies and excited about Advisory Board and feedback from the broader Indigenous the possibilities that my chosen field of study will bring. community. Christian admits he struggled through school years ago but “Participation by the Indigenous community in courses at Gold after completing a steel fixing traineeship in 2008 and being Coast TAFE is increasing, and we feel this was another way to selected as a nominee for Steel Fixer Trainee of the Year, knew encourage this positive trend,” Mr Devine said. he was capable of achieving so much more. “Offering scholarships to outstanding individuals within the “I believe achieving a quality education will allow me to have a Indigenous community is our way to help reduce known barriers better and brighter future,” he said. to participation, and to reward those who show great potential “I also want to lead by example and be a role model for other and passion for their chosen vocation. young Indigenous people. Christian has always wanted to make “We’re very proud of our winners and believe they will a difference in his community and has been a keen advocate of passionately embrace this opportunity with enthusiasm. volunteering
Gurrumul and Mad Bastards to perform at 22nd Bluesfest
ORGANISERS of the Bluesfest held at Byron Bay annually has announced an extra day for the Easter long weekend. The festival in its 22nd year will run from April 21-26 to include Anzac Day. Festival director Peter Noble said: “I look forward to announcing Bob Dylan soon for the pleasure of Byron’s residents and visitors,” he said.
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“We now have to undertake some seriously hard work to put in place the rest of the line-up. “The world’s greatest artists love coming here because our audience is truly discerning and truly listens to the music.” Lining up with musical legend Bob Dylan will the Gurrumul, Paul Kelly,
Monday February 7, 2011
Xavier Rudd, Saltwater Band, Kasey Chambers, Pete Murray and the Mad Bastards, featuring Stephen Pigram, Alan Pigram and Alex Lloyd. The “Mad Bastards Trio” have collaborated for the Mad Bastards movie soundtrack which has won rapturous response at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. www.bluesfest.com.au
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Artists make judges job hard for art award
Sponsored Column
Close the Health Gap with Martie Wighton Introducing Martie
The prize winning artworks. WINNERS of an art competition in the name of Closing the Gap were announced recently. The Tweed Valley General Practice Network announced the winners at the Minjungbal Museum in January. The competition was run in an effort to gather some local artworks that could be used to produce health resources such as pamphlets and posters for the community and general practices. The competition was judged by community Elders and Aboriginal workers who included Aunty Sue Follent, Aunty Dale Williams, Lleweena Williams, Aunty Paula Combo, Rebecca Palmer and Aunty Joyce Summers. The panel had a hard time selecting just one winner, so they decided to award five prizes in the 12-18 category TAMAY BEAM
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and two prizes in the over 18s. Bev Lipscombe-Grant took out first prize of $500 in the over 18s category but donated it back to the General Practice Network closing the gap program, while Colin Appo received the runner up prize. In the junior category Tamay Beam, aged 17, won with her watercolour artwork also receiving a $500 prize. Locklan Bygrave, Chavonne Gordon, Clara Trindall, and Ivy Rotumah all received a runner up prize of $150. The Tweed Valley General Practice Network, along with other GP Networks across NSW and Australia have been funded by the Federal Government’s Closing the Gap program to implement a new Indigenous Health Practice Incentives Program (PIP). Some of the crowd awaiting the announcement
Monday February 7, 2011
HEY I’m Martie Wighton, the newly appointed Indigenous Outreach Worker at General Practice Gold Coast. I’m a Wiradjuri boy from the Central West of NSW. My mother’s mob is from Condobolin and my dad’s is from the Wellington/Dubbo area. I spent four years in Sydney working in government and non-government organisations in various roles, servicing Indigenous communities throughout NSW. I have always had a strong passion for working in Indigenous community welfare and empowering our people through the power of knowledge and better understanding. I moved here to the Gold Coast two years ago as a young guy looking for a fresh start in life. I have a great deal of experience in working with the community in many different capacities. In previous roles I have been involved in various community workshops, info sessions and events as well as consultation groups, raising awareness of and better educating community members. In my role here at General Practice Gold Coast I am responsible for assisting patients with complex needs with follow up care as well as assisting patients to access required services by providing information, education and transport where required. This can include: • Assistance with attending appointments and collection of medication; • General support at appointments for patients who may find it difficult; • Liaising between patients and General Practice staff; •Promotion and raising awareness of Indigenous health issues via various community engagement activities such as information sessions, consultative groups and attending community events with promotional material For any questions I can be contacted on (07) 5507 7777 or at martinw@gpgc.com.au
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Cooking up Josh’s Famous Apple Cake Thingy - Josh Ridgeway 4 Tbs Butter (soft or melted) 2 Eggs 4 Apples
Topping
6 Tbs Butter ½ Cup Sugar 1 Tsp Vanilla Essence 1 Egg
Directions
Turn on Fan-forced oven to 160 degrees. Grease a round baking dish (whatever your fancy) with butter and set aside. Place flour, baking powder, sugar, milk, butter and eggs in a mixing bowl and combine until thick in texture and set aside.
Ingredients
Butter (for greasing) 1 cup Self-Raising Flour 1 Tsp Baking Powder 2/3 Cup Caster Sugar 6 Tbs Milk
Peel and core apples, then halve and cut into thin slices. Place in baking dish in an overlapping pattern around the edge of dish. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over them. Pour mixture over top of apples, covering the edge and top layer of apples. Place in oven for 40 mins. Remove and drizzle topping as before with mixture, and bake for a further 10 mins. Serve immediately with cream. To make topping: *Combine butter, sugar, vanilla essence and egg and mix until creamy.
Each edition of Be Counted will showcase one our reader’s recipes. Send in your recipe and a photo of your culinary delight, with your full name and contact details to email becounted.mag@gmail.com
Indigenous mentoring program opportunities
START YOUR FUTURE TRADE CAREER WITH THE INDIGENOUS APPRENTICE MENTORING PROGRAM Shedelle Biumaiwai – Apprentice Mechanic, AITC student 2009
AITC is Australia’s most innovative Trade College combining senior school education with on-the-job trade training. 98% of our 2010 students are graduating with a QCE and full-time apprenticeship. We are now enrolling Year 11 & 12 students for 2011. Book into one of our Information Evenings today.
AITC_1556
INFORMATION EVENINGS - 9TH & 16TH FEB OR SEE US AT THE BUMEHLA FESTIVAL
Call now (07) 5635 0400
www.aitc.qld.edu.au
IF you’re interested in being senior QCE standard mentored in a trade then Jay • Train recruits to high McDermott can help you. industry standards through As the Employment and apprenticeship employment Recruitment Consultant at • Monitor and support the Australian Industry Trade recruits after completion of College, he can tell you AITC studies towards more about the Indigenous full-time employment apprentice mentoring Mentoring is in Jay’s bones. program He’s a (I.A.M). proud local The man who program grew up has been in Tweed designed Heads by the and has Australian played an Industry active role Trade in the local College Indigenous (AITC), to community assist in through training and his father, mentoring Jimmy a new McDermott JAY MCDERMOTT breed of who Indigenous apprentices, also: has been mentoring and • Embrace the Indigenous supporting local Indigenous culture within the AITC students for the past 15 and harness those values, years. attitudes and behaviours If you want to know more • Mentor recruits to develop about the program contact a community and industry Jay McDermott on leadership network (07) 5635 0474 or • Educate recruits to a 0447 710 327.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Physios Join Together A NETWORK of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander physiotherapists and students has formed a new national representative body to address Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues. Following agreement by its members in November 2010, The National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Physiotherapists, Inc. (NAATSIP) was formally established on 21 January 2011. Inaugural President, Mr Ray Gates, said: “NAATSIP is a non-profit organisation set up to provide support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander physios, physio students and physio assistants, on cultural as well as professional levels, and to advocate on relevant issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and the role physiotherapy can play in improving the health of our peoples.” The decision to form NAATSIP came from a shared view that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander physiotherapists were not adequately represented by existing professional bodies. Members also believe that physiotherapy is
under-utilised as a means of improving the health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. “Our members have become increasingly frustrated at promises to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health not being met with commitment and appropriate action,” Mr Gates said. “Physiotherapists can play a major role in providing primary care services to treat, manage and prevent a wide range of injuries, diseases and health conditions. “Our goal is to see physiotherapy being properly utilised to improve the health and well-being of our peoples.” Mr Gates pointed out that it was not NAATSIP’s role to replicate services already being provided by other professional bodies. “We see ourselves as providing knowledge, support and advice on relevant issues concerning physiotherapy as it applies to addressing the health needs of our peoples,” he said. “We look forward to creating strong networks and partnerships with all relevant stakeholders, so we can work
Bumelah Festival Friday 11th February 10am: Indigenous Employment Expo 11am: Titans League Clinic and signing. 12 noon: Welcome to Country Aunty Mary Graham gives 12.30: BrothaBlack 1.5: Performance and hip hop workshop by Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts. 3.30pm: Mununjali Banan Yilgamn Dancers 3.40pm: Jaran Dance Troupe 4pm: Microwave Jenny 4.30pm: All Stars Cheerleaders performance 5pm: Indigenous All Stars team arrives by boat 5.15pm Jersey Presentation and Interviews 5.40pm: Bangarra Dance Performance 5.45pm: Busby Marou 6.30: Sean Choolburra 6.40: Dan Sultan 8.pm: Close
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Saturday 12th February 12 noon: Community Performances 1pm: ACPA performance and Hip Hop workshop 1.45pm: All Stars Idol 2.15pm: Jaran Dance Troupe 2.30pm: DJ / BMJ / Holding Pattern 3.10pm: BrothaBlack 3.40pm: Mununjali Banam Yilgamn Dancers 4.10pm: Zane & Morgan Kingy 4.30pm: Microwave Jenny 5pm: TVCs/ BGM / Holding Pattern 5pm: The Zookeepers 5.45pm: Big Screen Match Highlights 6.30pm: Broadcast Begins 7.30pm: Game Begins 8.20pm: Half time entertainment with BrothaBlack 8.30pm: Second half 9.25pm: The Zookeepers 9.40pm: Festival Close
together to improve the health and well-being of our peoples.” The ten-member executive committee will meet for the first time in February to set the strategic plan for the organisation. Priority issues are expected to include developing relationships with key stakeholders, identifying and addressing gaps in service delivery to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and promoting the benefits of physiotherapy to communities and community-controlled health services. Encouraging young people to undertake physiotherapy as a career and supporting existing students is also high on the agenda. “We already offer a mentoring program to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander physio students through the universities and are keen to explore ways we can further support our students and our young people to become physiotherapists,” Mr Gates said. Further information about NAATSIP can be obtained by contacting the administration at: admin@naatsip.org
Editorial: Crazy month of wild weather BAD weather has punished Queensland over the past couple of months. We’ve seen catastrophic floods throughout much of Central and south-east Queensland while category five Tropical Cyclone Yasi was merciless in north Queensland towns of Tully and Mission Beach. And somehow our slice of heaven on the Gold Coast and Tweed was unscathed. While thankful, I felt the so connected to these weather crisis as I have many family and friends in these areas. It’s hard being so close to somewhere but feeling like you can’t do anything to help. But people did. I was so encouraged and in awe of the spirit of all Australians to rally and help each other out in this time of need. I’d love to hear from you if you are reading from one of the flood or cyclone affected areas, or were a volunteer and share with our readers your experience. Our local sports teams including the Gold Coast Suns headed to
Monday February 7, 2011
Brisbane to help with massive muddy cleanup. Also worth mentioning is that it’s Be Counted’s first year birthday and I’m proud to say the paper still remains to be 100 per cent Indigenous owned, controlled and self funded. We’ll be celebrating with an event later in the year with details to be announced next edition. I guess a year on also means it time to reflect at what is working and what isn’t. I’d love to hear your feedback of what you’d like to see in the paper. I’m also wanting to receive more letters to the editor. So as way of encouraging more letters, I am going to give a six month subscription away to the letter of the month. So you better get writing. Donations to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Fund can still be made via their Queensland Government’s website. http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/ donate.html
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In the back of the net with ... James Brown
Busy schedule stretches the squad to the max HOPEFULLY by the time you read this Gold Coast United will have taken all three points from the long trip over to Perth. The trip to the west is one of the most demanding travel schedules we have to face all year and it makes it all the more difficult to get a result there. But a win against the Glory is crucial to our season and will set us up nicely for the upcoming Finals Series. We’ve had a lot of matches recently and probably haven’t been as consistent as we would have liked. At this time of the season you really need momentum when you head into the finals, so this weekend is a very important one for us. Our goal all season was to finish in the top two, although with only three games left that looks a little beyond us now. However, we have to aim to finish as high as we possibly can and if the other teams around us falter we can be ready to pounce. At this time of year one of the problems most clubs face is a glut of injuries.
We’re no different and at the time of writing we have around six first choice players struggling for fitness. It’s at times like these that squad depth is really tested and we all have to dig deep to do our best for the team. After the long-haul trip to Perth, Wednesday night’s home fixture serves as a catch up to the previous match abandoned due to poor playing conditions against second placed Central Coast Mariners. This will be our final home fixture of the season before the Finals Series kicks in and after only getting back from Perth on Monday the onus will be on recovering properly. Sometimes playing so many games in a short period of time can work in your favour, but when you have so many players with niggling injuries it naturally puts a lot of pressure on the squad. After the Mariners game we play our last fixture away to newly crowned Premiers, Brisbane Roar. Victory in these last two matches will have us full of confidence running into the finals series.
Congratulations to Brisbane on securing their first ever title, but we will be out to spoil their premiership party at Suncorp Stadium On a personal note, I’m still struggling with injury myself and it’s very hard to watch the team from the sidelines. Fingers crossed that I will be fit for the Finals as I desperately want to help the team as much as I can. James Brown (Photo courtesy: Scott Powick, SMP Images’)
Tropical Cyclone Yasi shatters AFL Indigenous All Stars dreams for GC Suns’ Harley Bennell GOLD Coast Suns player Harley Bennell dreams of playing for the 2011 AFL Indigenous All Stars squad has been squashed after the exhibition match against Richmond was cancelled due to weather. The Indigenous All Stars v Richmond match was scheduled to be played on Friday 4 February at Traeger Park, in Alice Springs but Tropical Cyclone Yasi put and end to that. The AFL reviewed the weather forecast for the match and deemed
the conditions unsuitable. The match was originally scheduled to be played at TIO Stadium but because of poor weather conditions in Darwin was shifted to Traegar Park in Alice Springs and brought forward to a 5.30pm start time. From page 1 NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop said: “These initiatives are just two of the many ways in which Rugby League is working to improve the opportunities available to Australia’s Indigenous peoples and they reinforce our genuine commitment to closing the gap between Indigenous and nonIndigenous Australians.” “The Learn.
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AFL General Manager Football Operations Adrian Anderson said the AFL and the NT Government had done everything possible to ensure the game could go ahead. But with a warning from the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting heavy rains, damaging winds and flash flooding for the township of Alice Springs Mr Anderson said there was no choice but to cancel the match. “While this will be a disappointment to fans, we must put the welfare of players and spectators first.” Gold Coast Suns General Manager Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft was hoping that this was going to be a ‘thrilling moment’ for the 18 year old from Western Australia. “It’s always great for a young player to have their talent recognised, but to be chosen in a representative squad without having played a single AFL game is something pretty special,” Ashcroft said. “Harley’s only at the start of his career and he knows as well as anyone how much hard work is ahead to be a consistent performer in top level football.
Earn. Legend! All Stars Youth Summit will bring together Indigenous students from all over Australia to learn about the education and employment options available to themselves and others in their community, and to also embrace their heritage and culture in a week that is all about celebrating diversity.” Youth Summit participants will also join the Indigenous and NRL All Stars teams
Monday February 7, 2011
for a special event at White Water World and attend the Bumehla Festival at Broadwater Parklands. In another exciting initiative for Indigenous youth, the NRL and Government will deliver the State of Origin Job Experience, a program that offers employment and training opportunities to 30 Indigenous youth and school leavers in the lead up to the Sydney State of Origin game.
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SPORT
Indigenous All Stars arrive on the Gold Coast
LEFT: From left Michael Waterland, Dalton Hocking and Troy Douglas. RIGHT: Johnathan Thurston signs a fan’s football. THE Indigenous All Stars began to roll in over the weekend in preparation for next week’s clash at Robina Stadium against the NRL All Stars this Saturday. Despite just hopping off the plane, the
players were more than happy to sign some memorabilia for fans. The Indigenous All Stars have a busy schedule ahead of them. In addition to training, the team will
make a special appearance at Tweed Heads Harvey Norman on Tuesday at 4pm and attend the Indigenous All stars Learn. Earn. Legend! All Stars Youth Summit on Thursday.
Preston Campbell hands over captaincy to Johnathan Thurston due to hamstring injury
AN emotional Preston Campbell (above) played a role in handing one of the biggest honours in Rugby League to Cowboys halfback Johnathan Thurston who will take on the captaincy for the 2011 Learn. Earn. Legend! Indigenous All Stars in this weekends Rugby League All Stars game. Preston, whose leadership in the inaugural game inspired people from around the country, was the most
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reluctant of withdrawals today as a hamstring injury forced him out of this Saturday’s match. Despite his passion for the All Stars, Campbell is simply unable to play and endorsed the ARL Indigenous Council’s decision to nominate Thurston as the man to lead the Indigenous All Stars on the eve of the third anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. “It’s disappointing to miss out, particularly because it’s such a big game for me,” Campbell said. “But I’m only about 80 per cent fit at the moment and because it’s such a significant game for a lot of people, it’s only fair to have the strongest team out there on the field. “The positive thing is that I’ll still be involved in all the
great community activities that happen off the field during All Stars week.’’ Newly-appointed Indigenous All Stars captain Johnathan Thurston said: “I feel honoured to be given this job. “Taking on the role of captain in a side that represents my people is very special and I’ll be doing everything I can to live up to the high standard that Preston has set as the inaugural captain of the side last year.” Parramatta Eels hooker Anthony Mitchell will replace Campbell in the squad while Warriors utility Joel Moon has been called into the squad for Broncos forward Sam Thaiday who was ruled out last week due to injury. Greg Inglis has also officially been ruled out of the match as he continues
Monday February 7, 2011
to recover from off-season shoulder surgery. Melbourne Storm and Emerging Blues centre Beau Champion will replace him. “We are obviously disappointed that Preston has been ruled out of the game, he is a fantastic leader and a well-respected member of the team,” Indigenous All Stars coach Laurie Daley said today. “Preston will still join the team in camp and is committed to playing an active role in our preparations and community events during the week. “This is a well-deserved opportunity for Johnathan. “He is passionate about the All Stars concept and the Indigenous All Stars team and is definitely up to the task of leading them in this historic match.”
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