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"Willie will come down as an ambassador for the game," QRL Northern Division chairman Greg Sutherland said yesterday.

"This will be his first major public appearance in North Queensland."

Sutherland said Cowboys executive director Peter Parr had confirmed Mason's appearance after speaking with coach Neil Henry and football manager Dean Lance.

Mason is expected to join with the Indigenous and All Stars players before and after their game at Wests' Tiger Park and will be special guest in the Cowboys' corporate box to watch the NRL trial.

Indigenous and All Stars coaches Richard Irelandes and Kevin Langer said Mason's attendance would be a major boost for their players.

"It's a huge lift for us, we're talking about a player who's had 24 Test appearances and played Origin, the toughest football of all," Irelandes said.

Irelandes said while there was some controversy over the Cowboys' signing of Mason after he was punted from the Roosters for disciplinary breaches, he would be welcomed to Mackay.

"We've got to move forward and we'll certainly welcome him to Queensland."

Skilled Tradesmen & Maintenance, Mackay, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service are combining to support the All Stars and Indigenous teams.

STM Cutters captain from last season, Jardine Bobongie, will lead the Indigenous side while Wests' experienced lock Jim Bryant captains the All Stars.

The line-ups will include many of the best players from the Mercury Cup premiership, along with some up-and-coming talent.

The Indigenous game will kick off at 6pm, ahead of the NRL trial at 8pm, with a match between the Sarina and Mirani league academies set to kick off at 4.30pm.

Tickets are available from the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre.

Each ticket includes free return bus travel to Walkerston from the City Heart.

GAME ON
NRL trial match
Cowboys v Wests Tigers
Tiger Park, Walkerston
Kickoff 8pm Friday
Indigenous v All Stars
Kickoff 6pm Friday