Dylan Grant: What it's like to be part of the Indigenous All Stars week

Dylan Grant was eight years old when he started to play footy. Today he's putting on his Koori jersey to take on Murri, in a game that's one of the many activities happening in Brisbane ahead of the Indigenous All Stars clash on Saturday. This is his story.

Dyan Grant, 18, in his Redfern All Blacks team shirt. Source: Supplied

This time three years ago, I was fortunate to represent my state in the NSW Indigenous Under 16's team that played the Queensland Under 16 side at Suncorp Stadium. 

It was an experience that I'll never forget being in camp during All Stars week.

We played as the curtain raiser to the big game, and playing in front of a huge crowd at Suncorp was an honour.

This was the last time the NSW Under 16's side won the game.

The boys this year will be looking to secure victory.

Dylan Grant with former NRL star, Timana Tahu and, inset,warming up on the sideline three years ago when he played in the NSW Indigenous U16's side at Suncorp Stadium. Source: Supplied

This year I'll be back in Brisbane playing with the Redfern All Blacks in the Koori versus Murri Interstate Challenge against the Southern Dingoes.

The preparation in the lead up to this match has been quite good. 

Our coach, former NRL and Parramatta player, Dean Widders has trained us hard over the last few months to get us ready for the game.

It's given us a chance to gel as a side and to put us in the best possible position to take out the trophy.

It's very humbling to be part of the All Stars week, and to share this experience with everyone around the country.

Dylan, second from the right with yellow boots, in the sheds at Brookvale Oval after winning the grand final. Dylan was awarded man of the match by his coach Matthew Johns former NRL Newcastle & NSW State of Origin player. Source: Supplied