ARLC confirms no anthem, captain’s challenge for All Stars match

The ARLC has confirmed there will be no rendition of the national anthem at the All Stars match and the game will trial the introduction of the captain’s challenge.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 15: James Roberts of Indigenous Man's All Stars is seen performing the Warcry dance prior to the NRL exhibition match between the Indigenous All Stars and the Maori All Stars at AAMI Park on February 15, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)

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The ARL Commission has scrapped the national anthem at the annual All Stars match on the advice of the game’s indigenous players.

In a statement released on Thursday evening, the ARLC confirmed the decision was made in consultation with the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council.

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Some of the game’s biggest stars have declined to sing the anthem in recent years. AAP Image/Dave Hunt.

“The All Stars game was created as a celebration of Indigenous players and their culture,” said Chairman Peter V’landys.

“We have listened to our players’ concerns that the words of the anthem do not represent them or their families and does not include an acknowledgment of First Nations people.

“We respect their wishes and have agreed that the anthem will not be played at the All Stars match on February 22.”

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the All Stars game. AAP Image/Daniel Pockett.

The ARLC has also provisionally ticked off on the introduction of a captain’s challenge for the 2020 NRL season.

The concept will be trialled in the All Stars match and the Charity Shield.

Originally published as ARLC confirms no anthem, captain’s challenge for All Stars match