Tukimihia Simpkins has been called into the Māori squad for the upcoming All Stars match in New Zealand.
The 21-year-old will return to his city of birth, Rotorua, for the clash against the Indigenous All Stars on Saturday 11th February, where he will be lining up against Wests Tigers teammates Daine Laurie and Brent Naden.
Simpkins made his NRL debut as a 19-year-old against the Broncos in Round 18 of the 2021 season, playing a further four games in the top grade that season.
The young forward has proudly represented his Māori heritage at Under-15s and Under-17s, but says to do it for the All Stars is something special.
“I’m over the moon and can’t wait to return to Rotorua,' he said.
This is a really important moment for me and my family and I will pull on the Māori jersey with immense pride.
Tuki Simpkins
"I'm sure a few of my mates from back home and plenty of family will be there to watch."
Wests Tigers head coach Tim Sheens is happy Simpkins has been given this opportunity.
“Like Daine and Brent, Tuki has worked really hard in pre-season training and it’s great that he’s been called into the Māori squad," said Sheens.
I wish them all well and I know they will give their very best.
Tim Sheens
Wests Tigers teammates Starford To’a and Will Smith were named in the initial All Stars squads but will not be playing.
2023 Harvey Norman All Stars
Rotorua International Stadium, Saturday February 11
- 2:00pm NZDT (12:00pm AEDT) — Gates Open at Rotorua International Stadium
- 2:05pm (12:05pm AEDT) — Mixed Touch Football, Indigenous vs. Māori All Stars
- 3:30pm NZDT (1:30pm AEDT) — Women's Māori vs. Indigenous All Stars
- 5:40pm NZDT (3:40pm AEDT) — Men's Māori vs. Indigenous All Stars
