Zach Dockar-Clay says it's a massive honour to represent his Māori heritage in this weekend's All Stars event.
It will be Zach's third All Stars game after playing half back in last year’s 10-6 victory at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta.
His selection sees him return to the international representative arena having been a member of the victorious New Zealand squad for the 2025 Pacific Championships.
The 30-year-old from New Plymouth is relishing the opportunity to once again represent his heritage.
It’s massive for me to be doing this, it means the world to me.
Zach Dockar-Clay
“My heritage is very special to me, always has been since I was that young Māori boy growing up.
“I lived in New Zealand until I was 12 and always played in the Māori competitions growing up.”
Although playing the halves in his previous two All Stars appearances, Zach is hoping he gets to show his wares at No.9 after a solid pre-season with Manly.
“Yeh, I’d obviously love to play hooker, that’s where I’ve been training with Manly and it would be a good opportunity for me to make an impression at no.9. Either way, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Dockar-Clay says he’s in good shape physically despite his teammates getting a bit of a head start in pre-season.
“It's been a tough pre-season but I’m feeling really good,” he said.
“I started a bit late, which was a bit tough because a few of the boys had done six to eight weeks before me.
“But, yeah, I’m in good shape and super excited for next weekend, and then our season to begin here at Manly.”
Māori All Stars
Jesse Arthars, Joe Chan, Zach Dockar-Clay, JoJo Fifita, James Fisher-Harris, Mawene Hiroti, Royce Hunt, Keano Kini, Jacob Laban, Casey McLean, Te Maire Martin, Trey Mooney, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Briton Nikora, Adam Pompey, Leo Thompson, Trent Toelau, Manaia Waitere, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. Coach: Adam Blair
