Warea-Hargreaves would love to see Maori play Australian Indigenous team

Sydney Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves would relish the chance to play for the New Zealand Maori against the Australian Indigenous team.

The Indigenous side are set to take on an NRL All-Stars side in the Gold Coast this week, but interest in the game remains tepid, certainly in terms of ticket sales.

While the Indigenous Australian jersey means a lot to those who wear it, many feel that the NRL All Stars team lacks a cohesive identity.

Waerea-Hargreaves played in a Maori v Indigenous game back in 2012, and would enjoy a re-match.

He is also in no doubt as to who would win the contest.

“That would be pretty cool, a Maori side, definitely,” he told reporters in Australia.

“There’s a lot of footy during the season so I’m not sure they could squeeze another game in. But that would be a pretty cool idea.

“I’d like to see the Indigenous [players] of both New Zealand and Australia come together to see who’s better. I reckon New Zealand would get it.

“It would be awesome.”

Warea-Hargreaves would also relish the physical aspects of the game. When asked about how he goes about tackling, he was unequivocal about he approaches it.

“[Go in] As hard as you can,” he said.

“There’s a time and a place and if it’s on, you go for it. When you’ve got the boys you are playing against, playing for their people, they will be coming out as hard as anything. We’ll be up to it.

“I hate losing. I try to do my best for the team and whatever happens, happens.”