NRL stars back calls for inclusion of Pasifika All Stars team

Some of the NRL’s biggest names have thrown their support behind the inclusion of a Pasifika All Stars team in an expanded version of the annual pre-season series. See our potential 1-17.

Reuben Cotter and Tallisha Harden (Cowboys and Indigenous All Stars) and Shannon Mato (Titans and Maori All Stars)

Some of the NRL’s biggest stars have thrown their support behind the potential inclusion of a Pasifika All Stars team in an expanded version of the annual pre-season series.

Reuben Cotter, Shannon Mato and Tallisha Harden – who are all Queensland and Australian representatives – agreed that a team showcasing the biggest names from the Pacific Islands would be a terrific addition to the week-long celebration of culture.

According to the NRL’s community team, 45 per cent of NRL players identify as Pasifika or Maori while 12 per cent identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

The NRLW presents similar figures, with 48 and 14 per cent respectively falling into the two categories.

Cowboys co-captain Harden, who has also led the Indigenous All Stars, said it was the logical progression to introduce a Pacific Island team next.

Tallisha Harden in action during the 2016 Indigenous Women's All Stars V World All Stars Women's Rugby League game at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Pics Adam Head

“I think that would be amazing. I know we have the growth with the Pacific Championships and things like that too, but I’m open to any kind of expansion, especially in that First Nations space and our Pacific Island space,” Harden said.

“Our game is made up of so many diverse cultural groups. Representing your home community is so special, so if other girls are able to do that then I’m all for it.”

Cotter said the NRL could find the time for another All Stars fixture despite the crowded international calendar.

“I think there’s room it. You just have to look at last year’s (All Stars) game and how big it was, and I think the game is only growing and room for growth is not far off,” Cotter said.

NRL All Stars contenders and Cowboys Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Reuben Cotter. Picture: SCOTT DAVIS/NRL PHOTOS

For players like Mato who choose to play for their adopted state and country, the All Stars game is an opportunity to honour their family background while learning more about their culture.

She said a new All Stars team would benefit more than just the players involved in the game.

“I would love that. That’d be amazing and I think what’s good about the game is they’re starting to ask us players how we can grow it, how we can get everyone more involved and (make the game) suitable for everyone,” Mato said.

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.

“So it’s not just allocated for athletes, it’s more education as well around the game and just having it for everyone so they feel a part of it.”

Harden said it would be a special honour for players like Mato, or previously Kalyn Ponga, to represent their cultural heritage in an exhibition game despite their allegiances to state or country.

“I think if you talk to any of those guys, they’re really proud Queenslanders but they’re also really, really proud of where they come from and where their family ties are and their histories and family history,” Harden said.

“So I’m really glad that they get to experience that because there’s no better feeling than being a Queenslander, but obviously being able to represent your family is one of the highest honours you ever get to have.”

The 2024 NRL All Stars game will be played in Townsville on Friday February 16.

Originally published as NRL stars back calls for inclusion of Pasifika All Stars team