Following on from the success of this season, the NSWRL will again field an under-16s NSW Koori side to tackle Queensland’s under-16s Murri side as the curtain raiser to the Charity Shield between St George Illawarra Dragons and South Sydney Rabbitohs at Mudgee in 2019.
The NSW under-16s Koori side will be selected after a Talented Aboriginal Athlete Camp (TAAP) involving over 50 indigenous boys to be staged at Narrabeen from Friday 2 November to Sunday 4 November.
Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues State of Origin coach Brad Fittler is expected to stop by at the TAAP camp to offer advice, while the boys will also receive expert coaching and development from former Rugby League players Ron Gibbs, Nathan Blacklock, Dennis Moran and Ian Naden.
“The NSWRL TAAP Camp is a great opportunity for the state's up-and-coming Indigenous talents to hone their skills in a professional setup," NSWRL Indigenous and Community Programs Manager Kristian Heffernan said.
"It's a unique learning experience, being around people who have been involved with Rugby League for a very long time.
"The reaction from the boys after last year's game was awesome – playing in front of a jam-packed crowd in the lead-up to the Charity Shield, it was exciting. We're already looking forward to the match."
The NSW under-16s Koori side will be looking to avenge their 2018 result after going down to Queensland’s under-16s Murri side 36-26 in a highly entertaining contest.
