WATCH: Indigenous War Cry v Māori haka in NRL All Stars clash

Drew Darbyshire
Indigenous War Cry NRL All Stars PA

Photo: Brendon Thorne/AAP/PA Images

There was an incredible show of respect in the Indigenous and Māori teams in the men’s and women’s NRL All Stars matches.

In the men’s game, it was the Indigenous side who took the spoils having beaten their Māori counterparts 28-24 in Rotorua.

Brisbane speedster Selwyn Cobbo grabbed a hat-trick. Tyrell Sloan, Nicho Hynes and Brent Naden also got on the scoresheet for the Indigenous team.

Jordan Riki, Preston Riki, Jesse Arthars and former Hull KR man Zach Dockar-Clay went over for the Māori hosts.

But the All Stars game is about much more than the game itself. It’s about learning more about the two cultures involved, and celebrating those cultures.

An intense Indigenous War Cry led by Albert Kelly met a passionate Māori haka in Rotorua…

Speaking after the game, Indigenous captain Cody Walker said: “I saw this as a real positive to give some younger guys the opportunity to come in and feel what the week is about and represent their heritage and culture because it hits different.

“While we had a lot of stars who pulled out. You ask some of those young blokes in there what it meant to put on this jersey and represent their people and family… You just can’t explain the feeling of that.”

Women’s NRL All Stars

The Māori women reclaimed the All Stars title with a 16-12 victory over the Indigenous team.

Zali Fay bagged a brace for the hosts as well as producing a try saving tackle to help her side come out on top.

And there were goosebumps before a ball was kicked in their pre-match rituals…

Speaking after the game, Māori co-captain Zahara Temara said: “To all our Indigenous cultures present, we thank you for being here today, for supporting our beautiful cultures and not only that, but supporting Indigenous and Māori rugby league.”

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NRL Indigenous All Stars