Emma Pritchard

Wests Tigers fullback and former Grafton Ghosts and Lower Clarence Magpies prodigy Daine Laurie has described himself as “stoked” following his call up into the Indigenous All Stars side as they prepare to take on the Māori All Stars in the 2023 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars clash at the Rotorua International Stadium in New Zealand on February 11.

A proud Yaegl and Bundjalung man, Laurie grew up in the coastal village of Iluka and has always been a passionate representative of his culture.

While he is excited to be part of the Indigenous All Stars team for the first time, the upcoming game will also be Laurie’s second experience as a senior representative footballer after playing for Australia in the Prime Minister’s XIII last year. 

In a statement released by the Wests Tigers last week, the club revealed their talented fullback was over the moon to receive the call up, with head coach Tim Sheens declaring Laurie thoroughly deserves the opportunity.

“He’s had a very good pre-season, trained really well, and I’m happy for him,” he said.

Laurie will also play alongside his friend and fellow Wests Tigers teammate Brent Naden in the 2023 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars game.

Laurie is contracted to the Wests Tigers until the end of the 2023 NRL season.