M¯aori-Indigenous games in NZ?
Sports Minister Grant Robertson wants to see the Ma¯ ori All Stars rugby league clash with Australia’s Indigenous All Stars played in New Zealand.
The series – featuring men’s and women’s teams – was held in Melbourne in mid-February.
Preston Campbell, the former NRL star behind the All Stars concept, has said he would like to see games played in New Zealand.
The series is slated to shift Queensland for the next two years.
The Ma¯ ori teams’ involvement is not guaranteed beyond 2020, but NRL.com reported that three New Zealand venues had expressed interest in hosting games and New Zealand government backing could ensure continued involvement by Ma¯ ori squads.
Robertson told NRL.com he supports All Stars games being held in New Zealand.
‘‘I think the All Stars double-header is an excellent way to celebrate both our indigenous cultures, and the history to and heroes of this great sport,’’ he said.
‘‘I’m also excited to see the inclusion of a women’s All Stars match, which is a great way to celebrate and improve the visibility of women’s rugby league.
‘‘It’s a matter for the New Zealand Rugby League, but I’m sure I’m one of many fans around the country who would look to see this doubleheader played in Aotearoa.’’
Campbell said the Melbourne event had been ‘‘pretty successful’’, but he would ‘‘love to see it go to New Zealand’’ if the Ma¯ori are involved again’’.
‘‘I think you would pack stadiums out over there. If you asked the Ma¯ ori boys they would want to do it every year.’’
New Zealand Ma¯ ori Rugby League chief executive John Devonshire said that hosting games here ‘‘would be an outstanding opportunity for New Zealand and I am sure we could get assistance and funding to make it happen’’.
The Ma¯ ori Ferns women’s team beat their Indigenous rivals 8-4 in Melbourne, but the men’s team lost 34-14.