The competition aims to bring together players of a wide variety of backgrounds to share knowledge of differing cultures and promote the benefits of diversity and inclusiveness. 

The All Nations division is contested by teams from each of the states and territories made up of players from diverse backgrounds ranging from Afghanistan to Ireland and Lebanon. 

The Kickstart division sees teams made up of players of indigenous heritage facing off. Ciaran Flynn, Omar Matar and Zayne Dghaich have represented the NSW All Nations team while Bailey Robinson was selected as a member of the NSW Kickstart team.

The boys were chosen based on their play on the field and the leadership qualities they have displayed both on and off the field.

Matar is of Lebanese descent and said it was an exciting opportunity to learn from players of a variety of backgrounds. 

“It’s an enjoyable sport,” Matar said. “I love that it’s combined with leadership skills, and then the fitness that comes with it.

“I love meeting new people of different backgrounds. They all have new skills and different ways of playing the sport and we can learn from each other.

Since taking up the sport as a six-year-old, Matar has seen very few players of Lebanese descent. It’s something he hopes competitions like this will help to change.