A magical 80-metre try from Indigenous All Stars fullback Jada Taylor has sealed a 20-14 comeback win over the Maori All Stars in Hamilton on Sunday.
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The brilliant long-range effort from the Sharks’ NRLW No. 1 put the result beyond doubt with just over a minute remaining when speedster Taylor brought back memories of her famous length-of-the-field try for NSW in their under-19s Origin win in 2022.
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The result was a good one for St George Illawarra half Taliah Fuimaono who could be set for redemption after steering the Indigenous All Stars to victory.
Off-contract with the Gold Coast at the end of 2025 after the club opted not to re-sign her, the former NSW Origin half was picked up by the Dragons for 2026 and if Sunday is any indication, looks set for a big NRLW season.
It was a sweet afternoon for the 26-year-old who helped orchestrate a 20-point comeback in the second half of the All Stars clash, putting rookie winger Phoenix Raine-Hippi and Krystal Blackwell over in quick succession to steal the win.
The John Strange-coached Maori side led 14-0 at halftime before the Indigenous All Stars turned on the burners for an unblemished second half.
RECRUIT WATCH
The NRLW off-season has been unusually active with a stack of high-profile players switching clubs for 2026.
A handful were on display for the first time in the All Stars clash, including Dragons’ new halfback Raecene McGregor, Newcastle’s Kirra Dibb and Warriors‘ new weapon Gayle Broughton.
Including Fuimaono, all four looked fresh.
Dibb in particular, who is set to replace Brisbane-bound halfback Jesse Southwell at the Knights for the next three seasons.
Canberra’s new gun, Krystal Blackwell, also starred in a sign of good things to come for the Raiders.
Named player of the match, Blackwell is set to slot into the Raiders backline, adding an injection of power.
ROOKIE WATCH
Titans winger Phoenix Raine-Hippi showed again why she’s one of the most exciting rising stars in the competition.
The 19-year-old scored nine tries in seven games in her debut NRLW season last year and could surpass her own total again in 2026 if she’s given time and space to run.
HOT TAKE
Maori coach John Strange is quickly becoming one of the most powerful figures in women’s rugby league.
After steering the Roosters to a premiership win in 2024, and back-to-back grand finals last season, he also won his debut State of Origin series with NSW in 2025 and has also taken hold of the Maori All Stars side.
He’s a wonderful coach and highly respected by those around the game and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by figures in the game.
FINAL SAY
The timing of the All Stars clash needs rethinking to give the concept the respect it deserves.
For the women’s teams especially, who aren’t coming off a full pre-season like their male counterparts, the players come into camp cold to play in one of the proudest games on the calendar.
Time to move it.
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