Proud, excited, talented and an excellent opportunity were the words Neil Henry used to describe his appointment as head coach of an indigenous team to play in a World Cup opener.

The Canberra Raiders coach was rewarded for leading his team into NRL finals contention with the job of bringing together Australia's best indigenous players for a match against the New Zealand Maori on October 26.

The game will be played as part of the Rugby League World Cup's opening ceremony festivities and Henry said it was the perfect opportunity for players to showcase their talent.

The Raiders mentor jumped at the opportunity to lead the squad.

He said working with legends such as selectors Arthur Beatson, Ricky Walford and assistant coach Jeff Hardy made the job too good to pass up.

''There's such a proud history behind indigenous players and we've certainly got a good range of quality players to pick from,'' Henry said.

''It really is a great honour and there was no hesitation when I was asked.

''And the list of players that has been put together looks like it's going to be a talented and exciting team.''

Three Raiders under-20 players made the squad. Winger Justin Carney, hooker Travis Waddel and second-rower Joel Thompson were named alongside superstars Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Wendell Sailor and Johnathan Thurston in the initial 70-man squad.

Carney, recovering from an ankle injury, was shocked and honoured when he learnt of his selection.

''I guess I didn't even think about it at the start of the year but it's great to hear,'' he said.

Henry's squad will go into four-day camp on October 21 to prepare for the match.