Andrew Fifita and Josh Addo-Carr throw support behind Indigenous team at World Cup

A number of NRL stars have spoken glowingly over the prospect of an Indigenous team to compete in the Rugby League World Cup later this year.

Josh Addo-Carr and Andrew Fifita threw their support behind a potential Indigenous team to compete in the Rugby League World Cup.

With Australia and New Zealand shocking the rugby league world by announcing their withdrawal from the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England, it left a gaping hole in not just quality, but also representation from those parts of the world.

But there have been murmurs of an Indigenous Australian team and a Maori team replacing the nations as a means of keeping the tournament alive and thriving.

It appears that it hasn’t just been rumblings, either.

Melbourne Storm winger and two-time Indigenous All Star Josh Addo-Carr revealed conversations have begun with NRL executives over sending a team to compete in the rugby league showcase.

“Yeah, we had a little meeting with (NRL chief) Andrew Abdo a couple of days ago, and just discussed potentially putting the Indigenous All Stars and Maori All Stars in the World Cup,” Addo-Carr said.

The concept of a native all star team isn’t just some quick idea that was cobbled together as soon as the official withdrawal of Australia and New Zealand was announced.

The Indigenous All Stars taking part in a pre-game ritual. (Digital image by Scott Davis, NRL Photos)

The Indigenous All Stars played their first game of the modern era against the NRL All Stars in 2010 in the inaugural edition of any all-star type game.

Since that opener — which the Indigenous side won 16-12 — they have played a game in every year except for 2014 and 2018.

Addo-Carr debuted for the Indigenous All Stars in 2019, but if his recent discussions with Abdo were anything to go by, he’ll finish the year with plenty more caps for an Indigenous side.

“We just thought it would be a great opportunity to represent our cultures on the big stage,” Addo-Carr said.

“(Discussions) Come out positive, but still got to wait to hear back from Andrew (Abdo) and the NRL to get that approved.

“I know all us boys are really keen to take part and do whatever it takes to be a part of the World Cup, especially for the Indigenous All Stars.

“We just need to come up with a plan and go from there.”

The Indigenous All Stars could take Australia’s place at the Rugby League World Cup. (Picture: Evan Morgan)

Cronulla Sharks forward Andrew Fifita, who was named in the Indigenous Team of the Decade from 2010 to 2019, believes the inclusion of the side would be a “once in a lifetime opportunity” he wouldn’t be able to turn down.

“I’d love to play,” Fifita said.

“If they did an Indigenous Australia team, it’d be one of those I’d really have to go home and sit with the family and honestly think (about going to the World Cup).

“It could bring me and my brother in at an international level, it’s good for the mob, it’s good for our people.

“You talk about culture moving forward, the opportunity to take it overseas is one of those I’d love to.

“It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for our people, I don’t think this will ever happen again.

Andrew Fifita performs a War Dance for the Indigenous All Stars. (Picture: Evan Morgan)

“If Australia want to stand down, I know for a fact some of us boys have already talked about it, they’re more than willing to take it overseas.”

As it stands, Fifita could be forced into deciding whether he dons the jersey of the Indigenous All Stars — should that concept eventuate into something more concrete — or the Tonga shirt, who he has represented on ten occasions.

With the pull of representing Indigenous Australia on the global stage, it almost seems as if Fifita’s talked himself into a final decision if he gets the choice.

The Rugby League World Cup begins on October 23 with host nation England taking on Samoa at St James’ Park in Newcastle.