Indigenous All Stars half-back Jonathan Thurstan today reinforced the importance his team will be placing upon this weekend’s clash with the NRL All Stars.

“It’s pretty special for the team to be representing their families and our people.”

“We’re taking the game very seriously and there’s no doubt the NRL All Stars team will be taking it seriously as well,” Thurstan said.

The Indigenous All Stars team were forced to hold their first official training session indoors on Monday due to torrential rain on the Gold Coast.

Despite the damp start to their week, there was a strong feeling of solidarity among the team today as they hit the gym at the Titans Centre of Excellence.

Greg Bird, who was called into the side last week to replace the injured Dane Laurie, was thankful to be back playing at the top level and making a contribution to some worthy community initiatives.

“I’m just happy to be involved in something this good. It’s (the All Stars Match) going to put a lot of money back into not only Indigenous communities, but junior rugby league as well,” Bird Said.

The NRL All Stars flew into the Gold Coast on Monday afternoon after entertaining hundreds of school children in Western Sydney during the day.