PALLAMALLAWA rugby league star Rhiannon Byers has been selected for the All Stars Indigenous Australian women’s squad to play in New Zealand later this month.

The NRLW Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks second-rower will run on against Māori Wahine Toa All Stars on Sunday, February 15 at Hamilton.

The match, being played outside Australia for only the second time, is a cultural showcase between Australia’s Indigenous All Stars and New Zealand’s Maori All Stars, and part of the NRL 2026 season launch.

Byers, named the Veronica White medallist at last year’s Dally M Awards for her outstanding community service, is recognised not only for on-field performances at elite level, but also for community leadership and mentorship in Indigenous youth programs in Sydney.

“I am so proud, being a Pally girl born in Moree, and just so honoured to be able to show all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids what can be done with a bit of hard work,” Byers said.

Being selected at national level is another milestone for Byers.

“Playing in a grand-final was huge, and so was my debut game and first try – they are big achievements to me – but being selected for this team is so important, and I will treasure  this moment forever,” she said.

Byers joins Essay Banu, Shaylee Bent, Krystal Blackwell, Jaime Chapman, Bree Chester, Kirra Dibb, Quincy Dodd, Taliah Fuimaono, Tallisha Harden, Caitlan Johnston-Green, Keilee Joseph, Grace Kemp, Ella Koster, Lailani Montgomery, Mahalia Murphy, Jasmine Peters, Phoenix-Raine Hippi, Jada Taylor and Caitlin Turnbull.

Rhiannon Byers has been selected for the All Stars Indigenous Australian women’s squad (Image: NRLW).

The team is coached by Jess Skinner, known for her leadership in women’s rugby league and strong focus on pathways, culture and Indigenous representation.

“I feel so privileged to be able to play for my culture,” Byers said.

“I’ve always loved the indigenous round, but this game is even more special.”

Byers joins fellow Sharks Caitlan Johnston, Quincy Dodd and Jada Taylor in the Indigenous All Stars squad.

She is good friends with players on both sides of the field, but the line is drawn when the ‘game on’ whistle sounds.

“I’ve got sistas on the other team, but once we cross the sideline, we’re not mates again until after the final whistle blows,” she grinned.

“All the NRLW players are close, especially Indigenous players. We have cultural camps and get together and yarn about what we need from each other to help the game and next gen,” she said.

Proud parents Danny and Katreana Byers with Rhiannon at the 2024 NRLW grand-final (Image Supplied).

When not on the footy field representing Australia and the Sharks, Byers is working hard as a full-time youth co-ordinator for the Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation.

“I’m a youth mentor for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Sutherland shire high schools and primary schools, supporting them on their knowledge and cultural journeys,” Byers said.

“I help them complete schooling and give them tools to help them strive outside of school.

“If kids try hard and stick to their plans, put themselves in a positive group, and don’t let anyone try to change their mind, then anything is possible,” she said.

Parents Danny and Katreana will join their daughter in New Zealand, while fiancé Will Russell will be busy coaching the Lisa Fiaola Cronulla Sharks team on this side of the ditch.

“He’ll be busy with the Sharks, but will be somewhere watching on his phone,” she smiled.

Byers is also preparing for a big NRLW season with the Sharks.

She might even get home to Moree for the Greater Western Challenge later this month.

“I’ve been training six times a week – three running sessions and three gym sessions – and working hard since last year’s footy season finished,” she said.

“I’m hoping this preparation will give me an injury-free season – touch wood.

“Hopefully, I can get to Moree but I haven’t looked at all the dates just yet. If there are clashes, I’ll be watching the livestream instead,” she said.