This is the second year at the helm of the team for coach Gerard McKay, who said it was an honour.
"I feel sorry for some who didn't make the squad, but the commitment from these guys has been huge, some started training in February and March."
Tararua District Mayor Tracey Collis commended the squad for their hard work and on being capped.
"Being part of this team is something you'll remember for the rest of your lives.
"My husband played 60 games of NPC rugby and there's no greater honour than to represent your district. Be proud of yourselves, your selection is an absolute honour."
Walshe urged the boys to play hard and go out to win.
"But make sure you enjoy the tournament week. And remember, it's all about the rugby."
Quinney Olsen, chairman of the Dannevirke JAB, said it was great to see the boys come up through the grades.
"You were little fellas, now you're big fellas."
Hawke's Bay Magpie Ellery Wilson told the players to give it their all.
"It's great to represent your area, but the big thing is, you've got to do it as a team," he said.
At the capping ceremony last week, Alec Baker was named captain of the team and Tamati Rautahi vice-captain.
Toko Tapari, the captain of the Puketoi JAB team, was named the best JAB senior player, winning the Curran-Thompson Cup.
However, Tapari has now moved to Ballance and was ineligible for Ross Shield selection and the cup was accepted on his behalf by fellow Puketoi player Charlie Free.
McKay said his team was ready to go, with the help of assistant coaches Todd Jarman (forwards) and Matt Augustine (backs), manager Bevan Ellison and assistant manager Chase Taylor, who missed out on team selection because of the weight restriction.
Scanpower Dannevirke Ross Shield team 2017:
Alec Baker (captain), Manaia Hauiti, Tamati Rautahi (vice-captain), Trident Price, Cortez Ostler, Matthew Steele, Sam Olsen, Alfred Fowler, Carlos Dodunski, Trent King, Max Te Huki, Jack Stratford, Josh Augustine, Rico Castles, Joshua Bray, William Murphy, Morgan Nicholson, Charlie Free, Angus Prouting, Max Free, George Prouting and Tyrone Hoera.
• This year's Ross Shield tournament will be played in Napier from October 3-7. The Dannevirke Ross Shield team's draw is Tuesday v Wairoa (2pm), Wednesday v Hastings West (3pm), Thursday, Hastings East (2pm), Friday v Napier (1pm), Saturday, v Central Hawke's Bay on Saturday (11am).