Jillaroos veteran Rebecca Young thrilled women given double header status for All Stars 2017

THE All Stars concept is extra special for the women’s team this year, with their inclusion in the double header for Friday night’s fixture.

All Stars Rebecca Young, Dane Gagai, Trent Hodkinson and Sam Bremner at the announcement that the Rugby League All Stars will be played in Newcastle for the first time next February. Picture by Peter Lorimer.

THE All Stars concept is extra special for the women’s team this year, with their inclusion in the double header for Friday night’s fixture.

Scheduling restrictions at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle meant the under-16s indigenous match, which would normally be played as curtain-raiser had to be shifted to the day before, but women’s indigenous All Star Rebecca Young said the women had earned their place.

“I’ve noticed that there have been a couple of high-profile indigenous men come out and say that they believe there’s a place for the women in the game but they would have liked to have seen the 16s in that position,” the Jillaroos veteran said.

“I believe it’s the right move. We’re training just as hard. We’re fulltime athletes, we’re fulltime parents, fulltime workers.

Jillaroos veteran Rebecca Young, Knights duo Dane Gagai and Trent Hodkinson, and Australian fullback Sam Bremner at the launch of the All Stars match in Newcastle. Picture: Peter Lorimer

“I believe we’re in a position where we deserve that.

“And the young fellas … If they’ve played NSW or Queensland I believe they’re already at that stage in being seen by the NRL.

“In regards to the planning committee from the NRL, we’ve made sure that the young guys are on a great ground and there’s lots of exposure here in Newcastle for their game also.”

The choice to play the women’s match in the double header is further commitment by the NRL to the growth of the female game.

Rebecca Young is crunched by the Queensland defence while playing for NSW last year. Picture: Peter Wallis

Young said the decision was even more significant because this match means so much to the players.

“It’s more than just a game. Although we’re playing a game of footy, it’s the whole concept,” Young said.

“The women’s team have been involved the whole way along.

“I love the fact that we’re now not a curtain-raiser, we’re a double header. It just puts that emphasis on how important it is for our women as well.”