Gold Coast's Preston Campbell will captain the Indigenous Dreamtime team against New Zealand Maori when the two sides meet as part of the Rugby League World Cup's opening ceremony.

The Indigenous and Maori will clash in the Welcome to Country match at the Sydney Football Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the Australia-New Zealand Test on October 26.

Campbell, who will return to halfback for the game, said his appointment was the equal of any of his achievements in the game, including a premiership with Penrith in 2003.

"Winning a premiership is every player's dream, but to represent your people is an honour that all the boys are proud of," the Titans player of the year said.

"To be named as captain is something I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Dally M coach of the year Neil Henry has been handed a formidable side by selectors Arthur Beetson, Larry Corowa and Ricky Walford.

Campbell will reunite with his Panthers premiership-winning partner Rhys Wesser, while exciting South Sydney halfback Chris Sandow, Queensland State of Origin star Sam Thaiday and Wests Tigers giant Daine Laurie are also in the 17.

North Queensland enforcer Carl Webb will lead the forwards as vice-captain.

Cowboys-bound Henry said his role was to encourage the side to play their natural game.

"These guys are not just great athletes, they play a distinct brand of football that all fans love to watch," Henry said.

"To call it an intuitive style does not do justice to the ball-runners who search for the weakest link in the defence and then attack."

Former Parramatta player and Widnes half Denis Moran won automatic selection as 18th man after being named man of the series at the recent Australian Rugby League-endorsed Aboriginal Knockout.

Squad: Rhys Wesser (South Sydney), Ty Williams (North Queensland), Beau Champion (South Sydney), Jamal Idris (Bulldogs), Justin Carney (Canberra), Maurice Blair (Penrith), Preston Campbell* (Gold Coast, capt), Carl Webb (North Queensland), Ian Lacey (Ipswich), George Rose (Manly), Daine Laurie (Wests Tigers), Sam Thaiday*, (Brisbane), Joel Thompson (Canberra), Dean Widders (South Sydney), Chris Sandow (South Sydney), Yileen Gordon (Bulldogs), Peter Jensen (CRL), Denis Moran (Narwan Eels)

*Final medical clearance required.

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