The 2025 NRL Indigenous All Stars Game is poised to showcase promising rugby talent from both Indigenous and Māori backgrounds at CommBank Stadium on February 15, 2025. This annual fixture provides not only entertainment but also acts as a cultural celebration for participating players and fans.
This year, the spotlight shines on several young athletes who have shown great potential, particularly those still carving their paths within the NRL. Players like Jacob Laban, who debuted for the Warriors last season, and Jesse McLean, with his successful stint at the Panthers, are aiming to leverage this platform for notable breakthroughs.
Jacob Laban, at just 20 years old and having played only seven NRL games, stood out for the Warriors due to his formidable performances in the NSW Cup. His shift to the Māori All Stars offers him the chance to secure his place as part of the Warriors' lineup for the forthcoming season. McLean, with just two games under his belt but 23 tries from 32 NSW Cup games, also has his eyes on making waves this season. Both players embody the spirit of the All Stars event, striving to turn their potential promising career trajectories.
On the Indigenous side, player Hohepa Puru will also be making his mark. After two games with the Raiders, Puru joined his twin brother Niwahi at the Sharks seeking more opportunities for first-grade action. With significant potential, this All Stars game serves as the perfect platform for him to showcase his talent and earn his place back on the regular NRL roster. Another name to watch is Blake Steep from the Roosters, thanks to the promise he demonstrated after being named SG Ball Player of the Year and earning his NRL debut last season.
Co-captaining this year’s Māori team is Dane Gagai, who reflects on the importance of this match for both him and his family. With heritage connections on both sides, he stated, “It is a massive honour to be able to co-captain with [James] Fisher-Harris... this game is not just for ourselves as players, or our families, but for our culture.” Gagai’s sentiment echoes the broader purpose of the All Stars matches, which are about preserving and celebrating Indigenous and Māori cultures through sports.
The All Stars game promises thrilling encounters not only on the field but during halftime as well. New Zealand's renowned band SIX60 will provide entertainment, augmenting the evening's atmosphere. Lead singer Matiu Walters expressed excitement about the event, stating, “It’s just such a good fit... we’re excited to be here and watch the game.” The band aims to connect with the rich cultural heritage surrounding the event, performing songs significant to the moment.
SIX60's performance is more than just entertainment; it also reflects the merger of music and cultural identity prominent at the All Stars event. The concert will resonate with the players’ efforts to honor their roots, highlighting the intrinsic link between sporting events and cultural expressions.
This year, several players like Jayden Sullivan are again drawing on their Indigenous roots, which have shaped their journeys. Sullivan, who debuted with the Dragons, stated the Koori Knockout tournament played a significant part in his career, expressing hope for renewed momentum through participation at the All Stars. “It is much bigger than just football,” he acknowledged, indicating the All Stars matches are about community and collective culture.
Other notable players like Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, and Jack Wighton also embrace their cultural identities, emphasizing the unity such events facilitate among Indigenous athletes. With many Indigenous players involved, there’s not only opportunity for celebration but also for positive representation within the broader rugby league community.
Fans are eagerly awaiting this year's event, knowing it signals the start of the rugby league season with high hopes attached to the performances and the cultural celebrations planned. The All Stars game has become synonymous with the introduction of fresh talent and the celebration of rich cultural practices shared through sport.
Scheduled as part of the pre-season festivities, the Indigenous and Māori All Stars matches are likely to be pivotal this February, promising to be compelling sporting events intertwined with powerful narratives of heritage and community empowerment. This combination of sporting prestige with cultural depth is not just unique to the NRL, but also serves as inspiration for future generations engaging with the game and their cultural roots.