IN what will be her final year at the top level, Kylie Hilder has been named in the Australian Touch All Star team to meet an Indigenous All Star side as a prelude to the NRL's Harvey Norman All Stars Indigenous All Stars NRL clash on the Gold Coast's Cbus Stadium on February 13.
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Hilder, who lives at Forster and is the NRL development officer for this area, was informed of her selection last week.
The TFA All Stars team consists of players from all States and territories. Four players were named from New South Wales and Queensland by New South Wales Touch Association and Queensland Touch Football.
A public vote on the six players from the remaining states was conducted through a successful social media campaign. TFA chief executive officer, Colm Maguire, selected two 'CEO picks' to round out the team. Hilder was one of Maguire's selection.
"I was pretty chuffed when I found out I had been selected by the CEO,'' Hilder admitted.
"But this was a total surprise.''
This is the first time touch has been included on the All Stars program which returns to the NRL's calendar this season.
Former NRL star Scott Prince will play for the Indigenous side. Hilder said her team is made up of up and coming players along with some established Australian representatives.
"I'm really looking forward to it,'' she said this week.
"This will be my final year playing at this level, so this is a real honour.''
Hilder understands the touch sides will interact with the two NRL teams to help promote the day.
She is expected to be named in the Australian mixed side to play in the World Cup later this year in Coffs Harbour. This will be her swansong from representative touch.
Hilder is also the co-coach of Forster-Tuncurry's league tag team in the Group Three Rugby League competition.