Ex-Wakefield Trinity and Bradford Bulls star takes on exciting new role

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has approved the appointment of the next men’s and women’s Indigenous All Stars coaches for the All Stars event to be played in Rotorua, New Zealand on Saturday, 11 February 2023.

And a former Wakefield Trinity and Bradford Bulls star Ben Jeffries is among them.

The NRL Harvey Norman All Stars: Māori v Indigenous contests will be played at the Rotorua International Stadium, the first time the event has been held in New Zealand.

A panel comprising former All Stars coach Laurie Daley, Indigenous Pathways Manager, Timana Tahu, Kangaroos Coach Mal Meninga and Jillaroos coach Brad Donald assessed potential candidates and consulted with both the Indigenous Players Advisory Group and the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council prior to the coaches being selected.

The appointments have been confirmed as follows:

• Indigenous All Stars Head Coach 2023 – Ronald Griffiths
• Indigenous All Stars Assistant Coach 2023 – Ty Williams
• Indigenous All Stars Player Assistant Coach 2023 – Cody Walker
• Women’s Indigenous All Stars Head Coach 2023 – Ben Jeffries
• Women’s Indigenous All Stars Assistant Coach 2023 – Jess Skinner
• Women’s Indigenous All Stars Assistant Coach 2023 – Rebecca Young

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said the 2023 All Stars coaching staff selection had been a powerful, refreshing and positive experience.

“The purpose this year was to introduce an elite pathways system for Indigenous coaches. The All Stars game was originally created to showcase Indigenous talent on the field, our purpose is to showcase Indigenous talent in all areas of the game,” Mr V’landys said.

“The 2023 All Stars game will coincide with the 50 year anniversary of the first Indigenous Rugby League tour of New Zealand and will also be 50 years since Arthur Beetson became the first Indigenous athlete to captain Australia.”

Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council Chair Katrina Fanning said the introduction of elite pathways opportunities for Indigenous coaches will enhance their skills and showcase their unique understanding and knowledge of the game.

“These appointments will assist the coaching staff in upgrading their qualifications and provide the experience to be mentored and upskilled in an elite representative environment. There was a strong pool of talent who participated in the selection process with the candidates selected all aspiring to be head coaches at an NRL club,” Ms Fanning said.

An experienced non-Indigenous NRL coach will also be selected by the Indigenous All Stars to mentor the All Stars coaches during the week and provide knowledge and support to the coaches.