Maori All Stars prop Shannon Mato reveals touching reason behind surprising allegiance

The Maori All Stars prop has opened up on the decision to honour her heritage despite having represented Australia in two codes. Read why this is her favourite game of the year.

Indigenous All Stars Tallisha Harden and Reuben Cotter with Maori All Stars player Shannon Mato at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville promoting the 2024 All Stars game. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Maori All Stars prop Shannon Mato has opened up on the decision to honour her heritage despite having represented Australia in two codes and why the annual All Stars series is her favourite time of year.

Mato has quickly become one of the game’s most fearsome female front-rowers, claiming a second straight NRLW player of the year award at the Gold Coast Titans after a stellar season that saw her lead the competition in post-contact running metres.

The 25-year-old was born in Whangerei but grew up in Wellington, New Zealand, before crossing the Tasman with her mother and five siblings in 2011.

She enjoyed a rapid rise in rugby union, playing for the Queensland Reds in Super W in 2018 before making her international debut the following year against Japan.

Mato enjoyed a similar rise to the top after converting to the 13-player game – making her Jillaroos debut at last year’s World Cup – but when it comes to the All Stars match she relishes the opportunity to represent her whanau.

Alisha Hewett (left) and Shannon Mato of Australia tackle Captain Les Elder of New Zealand during the New Zealand Black Ferns v Australian Wallaroos match at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, Saturday, August 17, 2019. (AAP Image/David Rowland)

“It’s really special to me because it brings me back to my identity and I’m still able to have that as a part of my life,” Mato said.

“Living in Australia and being a Maori woman, it can be hard, forgetting where you come from.

“But I’m so grateful for this game and the community that loves and embraces both cultures.

“I’m able to be myself and embrace that and not be ashamed of it – that’s why I’m so grateful for the All Stars game because I’m able to connect back to my heritage and represent the people from where I was born.

“And we don’t do it alone, we get to share it with our Indigenous brothers and sisters and that’s what’s so unique about this game.”

Indigenous All Stars Tallisha Harden and Maori All Stars player Shannon Mato at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville promoting the 2024 All Stars game. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Mato’s father died when she was just four and she now uses the Maori All Stars as a nod to his memory.

She said people still get confused when they see her play after starring for Queensland and Australia.

“I’m so grateful for All Stars, it’s my favourite time of the year and playing for Australia, people get confused,” Mato said.

“Australia has given a lot to my family and given me a lot of opportunities but I can’t forget where I’m from and my hometown. That’s why I go back to both and that’s the balance and the beauty between both of them.

“I still know where I’m from, and I still know who I am, but I’m so grateful for this country and what it brings to me and my family.

Shannon Mato of the Titans is tackled during the round four NRLW match between Gold Coast Titans and Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park, on September 10, 2022, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

“I get to set a pathway for Maori girls that end up being born in Australia or end up moving to Australia that it’s okay to represent what’s right for you.

“It’s not going to be right for everyone and not everyone’s going to see it the way that you do – but you can’t tell your full story all the time and I get to share a part of my story through this game and inspire others to stay true to themselves and be okay with yourself to choose a pathway of your own life.”

Moving to Australia at such a young age, Mato said she embraced the opportunity to learn more about her homeland’s culture.

Shannon Mato of the Maroons (right) is tackled by Filomina Hanisi of the Blues during the Women's State of Origin match between Queensland and New South Wales at Sunshine Coast Stadium on November 13, 2020 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. (Photo by Dan Peled/Getty Images)

“That’s why I feel fortunate enough to have this game, to bring me back to my heritage and learn from my friends and not be ashamed of it, and not feel less Maori because I don’t know much,” Mato said.

“I know how to sing all the songs and know a few basics of my language but I don’t feel any less Maori.

“It draws me closer to keep wanting to learn about my culture, and it’s a safe space for me to be able to keep learning and take those learnings back to my family.

“All of my older siblings know a bit more than I do, but I’m able to keep that light alive within my family and to know that we’re still connected to back home.”

The Indigenous All Stars take on the Maori All Stars on Friday, February 16, in Townsville.

Originally published as Maori All Stars prop Shannon Mato reveals touching reason behind surprising allegiance