Stingrays coach Graham Shaw says Wednesday's All-Stars clash will help promote the growth of the women's game in the region.

Illawarra will meet the best players of the local first grade competition in a one-off fixture at Crehan Park.

It is the first time the match will go ahead after a men's version between the South Coast Wolves and Illawarra Premier League All-Stars occurred last season.

The men's match will again be played this year following the women's game at 6pm.

"The women's game is growing so quickly, especially in our region, so to have that opportunity to showcase the elite team and also the best of the local talent is a great event," Shaw said.

The match will provide another cog in the Stingrays pre-season. They played their first trial last weekend against Manly, winning 4-0.

Their official Preseason Cup title defence begins against nearby rivals Macarthur Rams this weekend.

Shaw said Wednesday's match would help sharpen his troops for Sunday's stoush with the Rams but was also an encounter his squad was looking forward to.

"We know a few of their players and know they are excited about playing us and we are excited about being involved in the event," Shaw said.

"We are right in the midst of our pre-season and we are going to go into the game like it is any other game.

"We will approach it like any other game and try to make the most of it."

Shaw also sees the match as a chance for local talent to potentially catch the eye of the region's elite teams.

"There are players that we know who are playing in it who have played for the Stingrays in the past.

"There might be someone who pops up and shows their talent and have the opportunity to come to the Stingrays," he said.

"We are happy with where we are at with our squad but if there is some local talent around there could be the option for them to move to the next level.

"It is all about the pathway for the footballers."

The womens' All-Star side will be coached by Albion Park's Richard Davis.

Meanwhile, the men's team will be marshalled by Bulli's League Championship-winning boss Ben Smith.

The Illawarra Premier League XI were competitive last season but ultimately lost the match 3-1.

MENS’ ALL-STARS: 

David Poeira; David Hartas; Peter Peralta; Jake Duczynski; Guy Knight; Ryan Emerton; Scott Curran; Chris Smith; Sam Munro; Brian Montanari; Darren Stone; Dominic McGill; Greg Valic; Jacob Fryday; Hayden Durose and Tobin Zoomers.

Coach: Ben Smith.

WOMENS’ ALL-STARS: 

Tenaya Davis; Brittany Ring; Shakiah Tungai; Kendall Vaughan; Leah Carlon; Fran Halloway; Kaylie Harrison; Elizabeth (Grace) Lawson; Alexandra Sands; Amanda Allnutt; Vanessa De Freitas; Emilia Skopal; Amy Morrell; Natasha Apostolovska; Faith Atkins and Lisa Ireland.

Coach: Richard Davis.