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Indigenous and Maori men’s and women’s players have welcomed the decision to stage the annual All Stars match in Sydney for the first time on February 12.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo announced on Tuesday that Sydney would create history by hosting the NRL Harvey Norman All Stars clash at CommBank Stadium for the first time since the concept’s inception in 2010.
The match will open the biggest season in the game’s history, with two NRLW competitions, the Telstra Premiership, State of Origin and the 2020 World Cup in England.
“It’s no coincidence that our season kicks off with the Harvey Norman All Stars,” V’landys said. “You can’t imagine our game without the influence of Indigenous and Maori cultures and the leadership role our players have in the community.
“We’re delighted that Sydney will have the opportunity to host these games for the first time. The All Stars features some of the most exciting men and women in the NRL and NRLW competitions and I know the event is one of the highlights of their season.”
NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the event would benefit communities in Sydney enormously.
“The event brings communities and cultures together and helps celebrate First Nations people as well as rugby league’s authentic and powerful diversity.
“The 2022 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars will feature the women’s and men’s Indigenous and Maori teams, along with the Indigenous and Maori touch football teams.”
South Sydney playmaker Cody Walker said he was excited by the opportunity to represent the Indigenous All Stars in Sydney.
“I think it makes sense to bring it to Sydney,” Walker said. “I have enjoyed every All Stars I have been a part of, and I am looking forward to the week.”
Penrith prop James Fisher-Harris said he was looking forward to pulling on a Maori jersey in front of his family and fans from western Sydney.
“There is a strong Maori population out west so I am sure they will come to watch the game and it is good for my family also,” Fisher-Harris said. “I am sure this game is going to get bigger and bigger.”
Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council Chair Katrina Fanning said: “All 10 All Stars contests have educated, improved awareness and overall built bridges between communities.
“It has had an incredibly important impact in regional communities but it has also shown its power in our cities including Brisbane and Melbourne. Now Sydney has the chance to experience the life-changing abilities of the All Stars concept.”
NSW Minister for Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the fixture would give sports fans an exciting event to look forward to in February 2022.
“The NRL All Stars pre-season showcase is a wonderful celebration of rugby league and indigenous and Maori culture,” Mr Ayres said.
“As an avid NRL fan I am delighted that Sydney will kick-off the 2022 rugby league season with the NRL All Stars fixture and welcome fans from around the country to CommBank Stadium.
“Sydney and NSW continues to secure significant sporting events that resonate with the community by providing entertainment and inspiration, while also playing a vital role in driving our visitor economy.”
Harvey Norman Chief Executive Katie Page added: “Harvey Norman have been the proudest supporter of the NRL Indigenous All Stars since its inception, 11 years ago. Anyone who has ever watched the NRL Indigenous All Stars game live will know and tell you the atmosphere rivals State of Origin and Finals for passion, pride and talent on display. Now it is Sydney’s turn to celebrate the brilliance of the men and women of the NRL Indigenous and Maori communities, so save the date.”
Tickets will be on sale tomorrow (Wednesday, December 1), beginning with Parramatta Eels Members at 9am (AEDT), all other NRL Club Members at 9.30am (AEDT), NRL Account Holders at 10am (AEDT) and General Public at 2pm (AEDT).
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo announced on Tuesday that Sydney would create history by hosting the NRL Harvey Norman All Stars clash at CommBank Stadium for the first time since the concept’s inception in 2010.
The match will open the biggest season in the game’s history, with two NRLW competitions, the Telstra Premiership, State of Origin and the 2020 World Cup in England.
“It’s no coincidence that our season kicks off with the Harvey Norman All Stars,” V’landys said. “You can’t imagine our game without the influence of Indigenous and Maori cultures and the leadership role our players have in the community.
“We’re delighted that Sydney will have the opportunity to host these games for the first time. The All Stars features some of the most exciting men and women in the NRL and NRLW competitions and I know the event is one of the highlights of their season.”
NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the event would benefit communities in Sydney enormously.
“The event brings communities and cultures together and helps celebrate First Nations people as well as rugby league’s authentic and powerful diversity.
“The 2022 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars will feature the women’s and men’s Indigenous and Maori teams, along with the Indigenous and Maori touch football teams.”
South Sydney playmaker Cody Walker said he was excited by the opportunity to represent the Indigenous All Stars in Sydney.
“I think it makes sense to bring it to Sydney,” Walker said. “I have enjoyed every All Stars I have been a part of, and I am looking forward to the week.”
Penrith prop James Fisher-Harris said he was looking forward to pulling on a Maori jersey in front of his family and fans from western Sydney.
“There is a strong Maori population out west so I am sure they will come to watch the game and it is good for my family also,” Fisher-Harris said. “I am sure this game is going to get bigger and bigger.”
Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council Chair Katrina Fanning said: “All 10 All Stars contests have educated, improved awareness and overall built bridges between communities.
“It has had an incredibly important impact in regional communities but it has also shown its power in our cities including Brisbane and Melbourne. Now Sydney has the chance to experience the life-changing abilities of the All Stars concept.”
NSW Minister for Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the fixture would give sports fans an exciting event to look forward to in February 2022.
“The NRL All Stars pre-season showcase is a wonderful celebration of rugby league and indigenous and Maori culture,” Mr Ayres said.
“As an avid NRL fan I am delighted that Sydney will kick-off the 2022 rugby league season with the NRL All Stars fixture and welcome fans from around the country to CommBank Stadium.
“Sydney and NSW continues to secure significant sporting events that resonate with the community by providing entertainment and inspiration, while also playing a vital role in driving our visitor economy.”
Harvey Norman Chief Executive Katie Page added: “Harvey Norman have been the proudest supporter of the NRL Indigenous All Stars since its inception, 11 years ago. Anyone who has ever watched the NRL Indigenous All Stars game live will know and tell you the atmosphere rivals State of Origin and Finals for passion, pride and talent on display. Now it is Sydney’s turn to celebrate the brilliance of the men and women of the NRL Indigenous and Maori communities, so save the date.”
Tickets will be on sale tomorrow (Wednesday, December 1), beginning with Parramatta Eels Members at 9am (AEDT), all other NRL Club Members at 9.30am (AEDT), NRL Account Holders at 10am (AEDT) and General Public at 2pm (AEDT).
