“Starstruck” Alick is excited about the impending All Stars event.

Jacob Alick is eagerly anticipating his induction into the Indigenous All Stars camp this weekend. He, along with his Gold Coast Titans teammate Alofiana Khan-Pereira, will proudly represent their heritage in Townsville next Friday. The 24-year-old, who received his first call-up for the All Stars campaign, expresses his difficulty in containing his excitement, particularly at the prospect of rubbing shoulders with renowned players such as the dynamic Latrell Mitchell.

Alick acknowledges that he will likely experience a sense of awe, likening it to the feeling he had on his first day at the Titans. He expresses his anticipation of playing alongside Mitchell, whom he has admired since childhood, comparing Mitchell’s playing style to his favorite player, Greg Inglis. Alick also expresses his excitement about being part of a roster that includes other prominent names like Nicho Hynes, Cody Walker, Kotoni Staggs, and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

Receiving the selection call from coach Ronald Griffiths shortly after watching a replay of Inglis leading the Indigenous war cry at the 2017 All Stars event, Alick feels privileged to represent his Torres Strait Island heritage. He shares his family background, with his grandmother being born in Papua New Guinea but later relocating to the Torres Strait Islands, where his mother was born. Alick expresses his pride in being able to represent both his Papua New Guinean and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

Alick acknowledges the overwhelming support he has received from friends and family upon his selection, emphasizing how their pride in him further fuels his own. He reveals his long-standing desire to represent his Indigenous heritage and the immense joy it brings him to see his family’s pride in his achievements.

As he prepares for the upcoming season, Alick is focused on securing a spot in Des Hasler’s Round 1 team. He reflects on the challenging yet rewarding preseason under Hasler’s coaching and remains optimistic about his prospects for the upcoming trials and ultimately, Round 1.