The mining company is sponsoring 15 Indigenous teams at the competition, which features 320 players in age groups from under-16s to over-50s.

They will compete against a host of international teams on the Sunshine Coast from Friday to Monday.

Among the players taking part in the AIO touring squad is former St George Dragons star Nathan Blacklock, who now works for Whitehaven as an operator at the company’s Maules Creek mine.

Other prolific players, role models and mentors for the younger players include Cliff Lyons, Andrew Walker, Rod Silva, Luke Carroll, Jane Stanley and Francine Walker.

Whitehaven’s sponsorship of the AIO follows the recent launch of its reconciliation action plan, which focuses on practical and meaningful efforts the company can undertake to address issues affecting local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Whitehaven managing director Paul Flynn said the company already sponsored the Gomeroi Roos, a youth rugby league team in Gunnedah, and the partnership with AIO was the next step in its support for Indigenous sport.

“Whitehaven’s commitment to supporting the local Indigenous community not only includes long-term training and employment opportunities for local Aboriginal people, but also addressing disadvantage and dislocation – and sport plays a role in doing that,” Mr Flynn said.

AIO spokesman Jeff Hardy said he was “tremendously” excited to have 15 teams at the World Cup.

“I know everyone involved will have a lot of pride when we kick off the competition on (Friday),” Mr Hardy said.