Indigenous All Stars snap three year drought after ’spine-tingling’ war dance scenes

Rugby league fans have been left in awe of the Indigenous All-Stars pre-games with one of the best war dance and hakas you’ll ever see.

James Fisher-Harris is ready. Photo: Fox Sports

The Indigenous All-Stars have snapped a three-year drought, beating the Maori All-Stars 28-24 at their clash in Rotorua.

The Indigenous side hadn’t won since the 2019 edition with a draw and two wins ensuring the trophy stayed in New Zealand.

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But in the first trip across the Tasman the Indigenous side has bounced back in perfect fashion.

Although he dropped two balls close to the line in the first quarter of the match, Selwyn Cobbo was the hero, scoring a hattrick as the Indigenous All-Stars came from behind.

Selwyn Cobbo turned the game around. Picture: NRL Photos

Brent Nadan scored early in the second half but the Maori side hit straight back to take the lead into the final quarter.

It was there Cobbo took over, scoring three tries including a 93m length of the field effort that saw him push off three defenders before his next two tries all but put the game beyond doubt.

A late Maori try to Preston Riki made it somewhat nervous for the Indigenous side as two goals for six attempts kept the hosts ahead but the visitors held on to snap the drought.

Shaquai Mitchell, Jack Wighton and Latrell Mitchell celebrate. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

3.45pm – ‘Spinetingling’ scenes will give you chills

The All-Stars match is underway but not before the Maori and Indigenous All-Stars declared war.

The Indigenous All-Stars went first with its war dance before the Maori delivered one of the all-time hakas.

While we could describe them, best to just watch for yourselves.

Moving. #NRLAllStarspic.twitter.com/YqATqgtDtf

— CODE NRL (@codenrl) February 11, 2023

If this doesn't get you pumped up, nothing will. 👊

🖥️ #NRLAllStars | Live on Nine and 9Now.#9WWOS#NRLpic.twitter.com/dBEKBKz4Wi

— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) February 11, 2023

Nine labelled the performances “spine-tingling” which Warren Smith on Fox League agreed.

“Well if you’re not ready for some rugby league after that, check your pulse,” Smith said.

“That was quite something. The two war dances between the Indigenous team and the Maori team, quite the production in the lead up to the haka from the Maori All-Stars. That was spine-tingling.”

Greg Alexander agreed.

“It was, and it normally is. They’re so good to watch the war dances and very impressive from the Maoris,” Alexander said.

The Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand Harinder Sidhu tweeted: “Incredible atmosphere here at #Rotorua for the @NRL #NRLAllStars vs Māori Kiwi.”

Great stuff from both teams. Photo: Fox Sports

The emotion was visible on the players' faces. Photo: Fox Sports

Incredible scenes to kick off the match. Photo: Fox Sports

James Fisher-Harris is ready. Photo: Fox Sports

Incredible scenes. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

3.15pm — Maori women win at home

The Maori have claimed the first blood of the afternoon with the side defeating the Indigenous All-Stars 16-12 in Rotorua.

A Zali Fay double helped the home side claim the win, but not before some resolute defence to close out the match at the death.

Fay scored the first and last tries as well as pulling off a last-ditch tackle to stop a length-of-the-field try when the game was 12-all.

Maori fullback Gayle Broughton was named the player of the match, as the Eels star ran 135m and made eight tackle breaks in a huge performance.

“There’s no better feeling than coming home and bringing this special moment home,” Broughton said following the match.

“I can’t put it into words, I’m absolutely buggered but what a game. It’s a massive achievement for me and my ‘whanau’ (family).

“I’ve been on some pretty big stages in my life but nothing compares to wearing the Māori flag on my chest and no better place than at home.”

The Maori Ferns have reclaimed the NRL All-Stars title from the Indigenous All-Stars. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

2.30pm – NRL star’s son steals the show

Cody Walker’s son stole the show during the Indigenous All Stars training camp in a moment the NRL star will never forget.

Walker brought his son Kian into the camp in an attempt to help his son get more in touch with his heritage, but it was during a practice of the war cry that he took over.

The 11-year-old, after being probed by his father, joined in and was the centre piece as the players revelled in having him among them.

Cody Walker and his son Kian

“The other night we were doing our war dance practice and at the start he was quite shy to get in and we’ve got a rule here – there’s no shame in our culture. I was probing him to get up and have a crack,” Walker said to Channel 9.

“By the end of it he’s in the middle of the circle doing a shake-a-leg and they’re proud moments in my eyes. That’ll stand out to me in 50 years time.

“That I taught my son the cultural aspect of our people, that celebration dance that we do. That’s the reason why we’re here.”

For Cody Walker this year's Indigenous All Stars experience has been extra special.

The captain will play alongside his nephew Daine Laurie and has also brought another family member into camp - a decision that's left him prouder than ever. @ZacBailey14#9Newspic.twitter.com/gb2GcCQDpj

— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) February 10, 2023

2pm – Teams and how to watch

The contest will be shown on the Nine Network along with being played on Kayo Sports with the pre-game coverage kicking off at 3:05pm.

Maori All Stars

Jesse Arthars, Daejarn Asi, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Zach Dockar-Clay, James Fisher-Harris, Corey Harawira-Naera, Morgan Harper, Royce Hunt, Joseph Manu, Zane Musgrove, Briton Nikora, Hayze Perham, Adam Pompey, Jordan Rapana, Jordan Riki, Joseph Tapine, Starford Toa, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Dylan Walker, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. Coach: Ben Gardiner

Indigenous All Stars

Josh Addo-Carr, Bailey Butler, Selwyn Cobbo, Tyrell Fuimaono, J’maine Hopgood, Nicho Hynes, Ryan James, Josh Kerr, Ezra Mam, Latrell Mitchell, Shaquai Mitchell, Kierran Moseley, Brent Naden, Tyrone Peachey, Tyrell Sloan, Chris Smith, Will Smith, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Cody Walker, Jack Wighton. Coach: Ronald Griffiths