When talking about the opportunity to be part of the first Group 11 Indigenous All Stars league tag side, Kaitlyn Mason uses the word pride a lot.
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Not only is Mason the coach of the first Indigenous tag side, she's also part of a an-female coaching staff that will look to mastermind a win over Group 10 during the blockbuster All Stars day at Cowra on April 18.
"It was something we wanted to try and pull of," she said of the all-female involvement.
"It's pretty special and it's going to be great for the girls to get the experience and the staff, too.
"I'm really excited to be part of it. There's some strong women in the staff and I'm excited to see not only what the players can do but what the staff can contribute."
The Group 11 squad was confirmed on Sunday after a trial and training session and Mason is excited by the talent she will work with.
Not only within the playing group, which has a strong mix of experienced tag players and exciting youngsters, but also in her coaching team.
Amy Townsend has been named manager while Western Rams coach Jess Skinner, Lea Clarke and Julie Blackhall are trainers and the latter will double-up as the strapper.
It's a huge honour to represent family and culture and the girls are so proud ... it will be good for both groups to have the chance to represent culture and family.
- Group 11's Kaitlyn Mason
Mason has worked with many of those before but the same can't be said for the playing group.
A former Group 11 League Tag Player of the Year with CYMS, Mason hasn't played since 2018 due to a knee injury but has coached Wiradjuri Goannas junior sides in recent times.
There hasn't been many sessions with the All Stars side but Mason has already seen the passion within the group.
"They're positive and encouraging and all you want," she said.
"It's a huge honour to represent family and culture and the girls are so proud.
"It will be good for both groups to have the chance to represent culture and family."
Mason pointed to the likes of CYMS duo Maddi Chapman and Cassie Toomey who can set the foundation and make metres through the middle and allow the likes of Courtney Hodge and Leah Lamb to shine.
Jasmine Daley, expected to feature in the halves, and Skye Crawford were others singled out.
Crawford was Nic Grose's understudy for much of last season at CYMS but the youngster showed real promise when she got her opportunities at dummyhalf.
In terms of what to expect on the field, Mason thinks there will be plenty of entertainment for fans in Cowra but she still wants a disciplined showing.
The need to keep things simple in attack has already been spoken about while defence and tagging will be a major focus.
Group 10 has set the benchmark in league tag for a number of years, but the opportunity to be the first All Stars champion is all the motivation Mason and her group needs.
"It's really important to start well, in attack and defence, and if we do that then we can set the platform to play a great game," she said.
- GROUP 11: Maya Bayliss, Montana Brown, Sarah-May Bruce, Maddi Chapman, Charmain Cook, Skye Crawford, Jasmine Daley, Courtney Hodge, Leah Lamb, Madison McGuiness, Jacyntah Powell, Tara Stanley, Tiffany Stanley, Kodie Stirling, Cassie Toomey. Coach: Kaitlyn Mason.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
