BUSH footy legends Vern and Frank Daisy would have loved the chance to play for an Indigenous All-Stars team.
Anybody who played against the Mt Isa brothers in the 1970s and 1980s would be glad the concept is only in its fourth year.
Vern, 65, and Frank, 62, have made the trek to the big smoke to see their first Rugby League All-Stars match in the flesh and they could not be more excited about tonight's clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Vern is the uncle of Indigenous All-Stars halfback Scott Prince.
Vern and Frank were every bit as big as Prince, Johnathan Thurston or Greg Inglis up in the far north in the prime of their football careers.
They helped guide Mt Isa to seven Foley Shield titles between 1977 and 1988 and gave touring international and representative sides all sorts of problems when they donned the North Queensland jumper.
They both played into their 50s and such was their contribution to the code in the region, the Vern and Frank Daisy Cup competition for indigenous footballers was established in 2006.
But walking into Suncorp Stadium tonight to watch the Indigenous All-Stars do battle will be something special.
"To tell you the truth mate, this is going to mean a lot,'' Vern said.
"We've always wanted to come down and watch this game and support the boys and the game of rugby league in general so it's a great honour for myself,'' Vern said.
Frank added: ''I know all the boys in the team feel privileged to be representing their people and we feel privileged to be watching them play.''
When asked if they would have liked to represent an Indigenous All-Stars side in their playing days, they both responded, ''Oh yes, mate!''.
"That would be good,'' Frank said. "That would be bloody good,'' Vern responded.
Frank was a fullback while Vern was a barnstorming backrower in his heyday and has already made an impact in Brisbane, having roused on his famous nephew for not visiting his hometown more.
He is also hoping to catch up with old Mt Isa teammate and former Broncos CEO Bruno Cullen who is responsible for an old shoulder injury that still gives him a little trouble.
''I've told Bruno that I will get square one day,'' Vern laughed.
"I've also told Scotty that he has to get home more. He's promised to get back before the end of this year. He's a good lad, I'm sure he will.''
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