TRADITIONAL WELCOME FOR LEAGUE ALL STARS

THE NRL All Stars were traditionally welcomed to the Gold Coast yesterday ahead of Saturday’s clash at Cbus Super Stadium.

The indigenous and Maori male and female teams, selected by fan vote, congregated at Gold Coast theme park Dreamworld to witness traditional indigenous dancing, singing and a fire ceremony to celebrate the ninth exhibition match.

In what will be the first major rugby league match in Australia for 2020, the All Stars week is one of the most anticipated events on the NRL calendar.

Canberra Raiders’ player Jack Wighton will don the indigenous All Stars jersey this weekend but said the clash was “way more than just football”.

“This week is about learning, connection and coming together and giving all the young people a hope and an inspiration,” he said.

“After that we will have a good game of football.”

NRL spokesman Jaymes Boland-Rudder said returning to the Gold Coast, where the first match was held 10 years ago, was a great way to commemorate the success of the initiative.

“The game founded by Preston Campbell has come a long way and will be sure to bring a lot of passion and excitement to Robina this weekend,” he said.

Maori All Stars player Kalyn Ponga said it was “awesome” to see the three cultures, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and Maori, all come together to celebrate culture and football.

“You nearly forget you play a game at the end of the week,” he said.

“But we are here to win and want to put in a better performance this year.”

“I am really feeling at home this year in the No.1 jersey.”

For the second year running, the men’s and women’s sides will face off in a doubleheader on Saturday with the women’s game at 4.10pm and men’s game at 7.10pm.

A wide range of ticketing options are still available starting from $20. The games will also be broadcast live on the Nine Network, Fox League, SKY New Zealand and on NRL Live Pass.