Tomahawk attack at Orara Valley

International Stadium this Australia Day is where when the US Tomahawks national rugby league side takes on the best of the Coffs Coast.

The Tomahawks, who came close to pulling off the biggest upset in rugby league history against the world champion Australians in Philadelphia last month, will play a Coast-Valley selection made up of players from Sawtell, Orara Valley, Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga.

Should the International Friendly be a success, there is every chance it will become an annual encounter.

The match is the brainchild of Russell Crowe, who also organised for the Tomahawks to include a trip to Coramba for the Orara Valley sevens tournament in their down-under tour next month.

Organisers are confident of fielding a near full-strength Coast-Valley outfit, with all four clubs reportedly throwing their full support behind the idea.

"It is important we put together as strong a side as possible," Orara Valley president Kevin Elks said.

"We want the guys who are playing to take it very seriously.

"We should get a very good crowd if it is promoted properly."

American Rugby League president David Niu said the Tomahawks will feature half the team which was just beaten by Australia 36-24 last month.

"We have a very young squad, the average age will be about 22-23," Niu said.

"About six or seven of the squad that played against Australia will be coming out, the rest will be young up and coming players."

Former Coffs Comet and NRL veteran Brandon Costin will front up for the Tomahawks, along with former South Queensland Crushers forward Steele Retchless.

"Ian Blake will also be joining us, he is from Texas but has been signed by (Brisbane Broncos feeder club) Toowoomba Clydesdales," Niu said.

"It will certainly be a strong squad."

The Coast-Valley side will wear specially made jerseys for the match.