'I'm lucky I get to play on my land': Dodd to seize All Stars opportunity

Sharks hooker Quincy Dodd has vowed to put her best foot forward in next weekend’s All Stars match in a bid to reclaim the Jillaroos No.9 jersey for the upcoming Test against England in Las Vegas.

Dodd, who will make her seventh appearance for the Indigenous All Stars against the Māori All Stars at CommBank Stadium next Saturday, is one of five members of the Jillaroos squad playing in the match.

Of special significance to Dodd is that the All Stars match is being played on the land of the Dharug people, who she will proudly represent.

But it also represents an opportunity for Dodd to push for a spot in the Australian team to play England at Allegiant Stadium on March 1 after being one of three hookers named in the 21-strong squad to travel to Vegas.

The 24-year-old made her Test debut in the opening match of last year’s Pacific Championships but suffered a quad strain and was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament, with Sydney Roosters hooker Keeley Davis called in to replace her.

Davis started in the final against the Kiwi Ferns, with Knights hooker Olivia Higgins coming off the interchange, but after fully recovering from her injury Dodd is determined to play in Las Vegas.

“Obviously, it is always a battle for positions in the Australian team and I have got a chance to prove myself in the All Stars game,” Dodd said.

“I am fit and feeling good with all my training so hopefully I play a really good game.”

Dodd co-captained the 2024 Indigenous All Stars with veteran prop Tallisha Harden and will again have a leadership role under coach Jess Skinner, who will also take charge of the Jillaroos in Vegas.

Mahalia Murphy, Olivia Kernick and Keilee Joseph are other Jillaroos players in the Indigenous All Stars team, while Shannon Mato will play for the Māori side.

“All Stars week gets better and better each year,” Dodd said.

“I remember when I first started in 2019, from then to now it has just grown so much and I have got to thank the coaches too, because they have had a big part in making it an amazing experience.

“I am still going through my journey, and learning all of these stories and making those cultural connections.”

After lifting the trophy with Harden in Townsville last year, Dodd said it would be special to win again in Sydney against a Māori side that includes the likes of Raecene McGregor, Anessa Biddle and Kennedy Cherrington.

However, Dodd said the cultural aspect of All Stars week was what she was looking forward to most.

“I am lucky that I get to play on my land - Dharug land,” Dodd said. “I have met some of the aunties there and we have caught up a few times now, just yarning and talking to them, which is awesome.

“Connecting with them actually means a lot more than the game to be honest and it is pretty special that I get to do that on my land, as well.”

Tickets for Harvey Norman All Stars 2025 are available from nrl.com/tickets, starting at $25 for adults and $75 for families (two adults and two children).