Eels NRLW star Pihuka Berryman-Duff is set to follow in the footsteps of Dally M Medallist Tamika Upton after being selected in the Māori touch team to play at the annual NRL All Stars fixture.
The touch football match will be part of a triple-header with the men's and women's Indigenous and Māori All Stars teams at Townsville's Queensland Country Bank Stadium on February 16.
Like Upton, who played in the 2015 All Stars touch match, Berryman-Duff has an extensive touch football background and represented NSW before transitioning to the NRLW last season.
The rookie playmaker, who qualifies for the Māori All Stars through her Tainui heritage, played alongside cousins Aaliyah Berryman-Paki and Faith Berryman-Nathan for the Australian U17s touch team in New Zealand.
After being sidelined by an ACL injury in 2022, Berryman-Duff made nine appearances for Parramatta last year and represented Samoa in the end-of-season Pacific Championships clash with Fiji in Papua New Guinea.
Both the Māori and Indigenous touch football teams boast significant talent which will no doubt produce another enthralling contest, after last year’s fixture resulted in a 10-all draw.
For the Indigenous All Stars, Zali Chippendale and Riley Jones will make their debuts while Jarrad Rotumah will make his eighth consecutive appearance since the concept’s inception.
Rebecca Mi Mi will also be looking to etch her name in history aiming for her third consecutive Bo de la Cruz medal.
Reigning Shane Frederiksen medallist Takoha Ropati returns for the Māori side which also includes brother Tama Toa Ropati as one of three debutants – while Kingston Lamberg will make his fifth consecutive All Stars appearance for the Māori side.
Indigenous All Stars: Jaymon Bob (Ghungalu), Jardel Bob (Ghungalu), Zali Chippendale (Torres Strait Islander), Shameus Edwards (Birri-Gubba), Taimana Elers (Worimi & Awabakal), Rhani Hagan (Kulilli & Nunukul), Keeron Hughes (Gurindji & Miriwoong), Riley Jones (Wonnarua), Andi Law (Worimi), Rebecca Mi Mi (Waka Waka), Jarrad Rotumah (Bundjalung), Keely Silva (Gamilaraay & Dungutti). Coaches: Karley Banks (Gamilaraay), Melissa Mitchell (Bundjalung & Gamilaraay).
Māori All Stars: Hinerangi Andreassend (Ngāpuhi), Pihuka Berryman-Duff (Tainui), Tiwi Davies (Ngāi Tūhoe), Chylo Flavell (Te Arawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāi Tūhoe), Kingston Lamberg (Ngāi Tahu), Tyla Love-Hepi (Ngāti Tūwharetoa), Deena-Ranginui Puketapu (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu), Potene Rolls-Paewai (Ngāti Kauwhata, Te Arawa), Takoha Ropati (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Ranginui), Tama Toa Ropati (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Ranginui), Marama Thomas (Ngāti Tūwharetoa), Sharni Leigh Vilila (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāpuhi). Coaches: Mita Graham (Waikato, Ngāti Wairere), Te Aroha Paki (Waikato, Ngāti Mahuta).
Referees: Zoe Genrich, John Hamstra, Micheal Littlefield
The All Stars experience is an opportunity for both Indigenous and Māori teams to participate in a week-long celebration of culture, community engagement, education, and cultural activities.
See the ultimate celebration of culture and showcase of pride at NRL Harvey Norman All Stars. Grab your tickets here.