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That's right, we're getting out first taste of NRL for 2023 on Saturday, with the return of the All-Stars match-up.
Footy fans are in for a great day of viewing, with both the women's and men's Maori Kiwis vs Indigenous All-Stars matches being broadcast on Nine, Fox League and Kayo.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the exciting clashes.
What is it?
The All-Stars match - created by Penrith Panthers and Gold Coast Titans legend Preston Campbell - was first held in 2010. Back then, the format was an Indigenous All-Stars team taking on a All-Stars team from the rest of the NRL. The current iteration, of teams of Indigenous vs Maori players, started in 2019, for both the men's and women's versions of the game. The Indigenous All-Stars won the first battle with the Maori Kiwis in the men's game, but it's been all Kiwi traffic since then, the Maoris claiming victory in the past three clashes. Things are more even over on the women's side, going tit-for-tat over the past four years. If the trend continues, the Maori women are set to take the chocolates this year. The best player on ground in the men's game is awarded the Preston Campbell Medal. Canberra Raiders player Joseph Tapine, a member of the Maori side, is the reigning medal holder.
Where is it?
The location of the All-Stars match changes every year. This year, the matches will be held in New Zealand at the Rotorua International Stadium. This is the first time the clash has crossed the pond to be held in New Zealand, which is still basking in the joy of hosting games again after COVID interruptions in the past few seasons.
This is the first time the clash has crossed the pond to be held in New Zealand, which is still basking in the joy of hosting games again after COVID interruptions in the past few seasons.
When is it?
The matches will be held a little earlier than we're used to as they'll be running on New Zealand time. The women's game kicks off from 1.30pm (AEDT) and the men's starts at 3.40pm (AEDT). The Indigenous War Cry and Maori Team Haka take place before the match.
Who is playing?
Indigenous All-Stars: Latrell Mitchell, Selwyn Cobbo, Jack Wighton, Brent Naden, Tyrell Sloan, Cody Walker, Nicho Hynes, Josh Kerr, Kierran Moseley, Shaquai Mitchell, Tyrell Fuimaono, Tyrone Peachey, J'maine Hopgood, Albert Kelly, Jemayne Taunoa-Brown, Daine Laurie and Isaiah Tass. Reserves: Ryan James, Braydon Trindall and Bailey Butler.
Maori Kiwis: Hayze Perham, Morgan Harper, Jesse Arthars, Adam Pompey, Jordan Rapana, Zach Dockar-Clay, Paul Turner, James Fisher-Harris, Corey Harawira-Naera, Royce Hunt, Briton Nikora, Jordan Riki, Joseph Tapine, Zane Musgrove, Leo Thompson, Tukimihia Simpkins, Austin Dias. Reserves: Sheldon Pitama, Creedence Toia and Preston Riki.
Women's Indigenous All-Stars: Jaine Chapman, Bobbi Law, Mia Middleton, Jasmine Peters, Jada Taylor, Kirra Dibb, Tahlulah Tillett, Keilee Joseph, Quincy Dodd, Sareka Mooka, Kaitlyn Phillips, Shaylee Bent, Shaniah Power, Taliah Fuimanono, Ahlivia Ingram, Shakiah Tungai and Essay Benu. Reserve: Bree Chester
Women's Maori Kiwis: Gayle Broughton, Jasmin Strange, Amy Turner, Shanice Parker, Zali Fay, Zahara Temara, Ashleigh Quinlan, Shannon Mato, Brooke Anderson, Mya Hill-Moana, Tiana Rafstrand-Smith, Olivia Kernick, Destiny Brill, Capri Paekau, Harata Butler, Laikha Clarke and Aaliyah Paki. Reserve: Kahu Cassidy.
*Teamlists may change on game day.
WHO WILL WIN?
You'll have to tune in to find out!
