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Maori All Stars and Indigenous Side Draw 16-16; Maori Retain Trophy

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Maori All Stars Retain Trophy After Thrilling Draw

The Maori All Stars and the Indigenous side played to a 16-all draw. The Maori team retained the trophy, having won the previous year, as the All Stars fixture does not feature golden point extra time.

A potential match-winning try by Jayden Campbell for the Indigenous side was disallowed by the Bunker due to a knock-on. This occurred after Braydon Trindall's chip kick, marking a pivotal moment in the tight contest.

Key Player Performances

Indigenous Halves Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes were central to the Indigenous offense, with Trindall notably assisting a Josh Addo-Carr try.

Connor Watson of the Indigenous side made a significant impact, scoring a first-half try and demonstrating effectiveness at dummy-half and as a ball-playing lock. He recorded an impressive 11 first-half carries. Blake Steep also contributed to the Indigenous scoring, crossing for a try and adding significantly in carries.

For the Maori team, Trent Toelau played a crucial role at dummy-half, scoring a try that leveled the score. Fullback Keano Kini showcased his attacking prowess, gaining 120 metres and making six tackle busts.

Injury Report

The fiercely contested match saw several players and a referee sustain injuries:

  • Te Maire Martin (Maori): Sustained an ankle injury from contact with teammate Briton Nikora but later appeared fine.
  • Briton Nikora (Maori): Was unfortunately forced off the field due to a head knock and was also placed on report for a hip drop.
  • Josh Kerr (Indigenous) & Leo Thompson (Maori): Both were ruled out before kick-off with ankle and calf issues, respectively. However, they are expected to be available for the season start.
  • Adam Gee (Referee): Left the game at three-quarter time with a hamstring injury.

Future of the All Stars Fixture

Discussions continued regarding the optimal scheduling of the All Stars match. Proposals include moving it to grand final week or designating it as the sole game during a February weekend.

The quality of the contest was widely noted as being higher than other trial matches, a testament to the fixture's appeal, despite ongoing concerns about player injuries.