Kierran Moseley is preparing for an emotional homecoming to the city that shaped his football career when the Norths Devils premiership hooker again represents the Indigenous All-Stars next week.

And he’ll be joined by Devils coach Dave Elliott who has been appointed an assistant coach for the annual showdown with the Māori All Stars on Friday 16 February.

The game will be played in Townsville, where Moseley and Elliott have strong histories.

Moseley vividly recalls his entry to the city as a 15-year-old when he travelled from his family home in Cloncurry to attend renowned rugby league academy Kirwan State High School.

Moseley would kick-start a career that would include NRL stints with the Penrith Panthers and Gold Coast Titans and a premiership with the Devils in 2022.

“I was a bit emotional when I was told I’d be playing next week because of the memories of Townsville,” Moseley said.

“I was young when I went there and I didn’t know anyone. The school seemed to be bigger than half of Cloncurry.

“It was daunting to start with but I met some really good people there who helped me so much. I still speak with some of my teachers. It will be good to see some of them next week.”

Moseley, a proud Mitakoodi and Pitjantjatjara man, will head north on Sunday to feature in an All-Stars team including Dolphins NRL players Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Josh Kerr alongside Latrell Mitchell, Josh Addo-Carr, Nicho Hynes and Cody Walker.

“It will be an emotional time because it’s really more than a game for me,” Moseley said.

“My family and I have had a lot of sorry business over the last year or so which has been challenging but this game will be a positive for all of us.

“And I really enjoy getting together with the whole squad.

“It’s really like a big yarning circle. Everyone is there to learn from each other. It’s a time when you can really feel comfortable and look forward to playing together.”

Dave Elliott will return to Townsville, where he was an assistant coach with the Blackhawks before beginning his head coaching career at Mackay Cutters.

Elliott’s mother Margaret hails from Ngawun country in northwest Queensland.

Elliott will assist All-Stars coach Ronnie Griffiths in a game that means much to its participants.

“It will be special to be there with Kierran. I remember when he came to Townsville and I first coached him there when he was 17. He’s always been a person of the highest quality so this recognition for him is so well deserved,” Elliott said.

“There is more to this week than football. I’m really looking forward to learning from the cultural experience involving both teams. The players bring so much to this week and it’s a time to celebrate.

“On the football side, I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can and working with players from across multiple clubs.”