The All Stars clash between the Indigenous and Maori teams ended in a thrilling 16-16 draw on February 12, 2024, in Hamilton, New Zealand. While the match showcased impressive athleticism and skill, Indigenous halfback Nicho Hynes emphasized that celebrating cultural heritage outweighed the importance of determining a winner.
As the match approached its conclusion, Maori hooker Zach Dockar-Clay had a chance to secure victory with a potential game-winning field goal from 30 meters. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Indigenous forward Brent Woolf, who has yet to play in the NRL, charged down the kick, ensuring the game ended in a draw. This outcome marks the second time the annual match has concluded without a winner, alongside the 2021 edition, allowing the Maori All Stars to retain the trophy.
Hynes expressed mixed feelings about the draw, suggesting that while the desire for victory remains strong, the emotional significance of the event should not be overlooked. “We all want to win,” Hynes stated. “But if you take the emotion away, you see that two proud cultures are walking away winners. I never thought I’d say I’d be happy with a draw because I always want to win, but culture is the winner at the end of the day. That’s way more important.”
The game featured standout performances, particularly from Indigenous five-eighth Braydon Trindall. He nearly set up a game-winning try for teammate Jayden Campbell, but replays revealed Campbell knocked on the ball during the play. Trindall’s contributions included a clever grubber kick that allowed Josh Addo-Carr to score, putting the Indigenous side in the lead after halftime.
As the match progressed, Maori second-rower Trent Toelau leveled the scores with a try from close range, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams. The Maori captain, James Fisher-Harris, stepped up significantly after the injury to halfback Te Maire Martin, who left the field with an ankle injury sustained during a tackle on Addo-Carr.
In a different turn of events, Maori player Briton Nikora could face disciplinary action following a hip-drop tackle on Oliver Pascoe. Nikora’s history of infractions, including a grade-two careless high tackle last season, raises questions about his availability for the upcoming NRL season.
The match also featured a unique situation when referee Adam Gee was replaced by Belinda Sharpe at three-quarter time due to hamstring tightness, adding another layer of intrigue to the event.
As both teams celebrated their cultural heritage and the sport, the All Stars match served as a reminder that, in sport, the celebration of identity and community often holds more significance than the final score.
