Queensland Country Bank Stadium was brought to a standstill when some of the game’s biggest names took part in a spine-tingling cultural performance before Friday’s All Stars clash.
The Indigenous and Maori sides walked out of the tunnel side-by-side as the rain poured down in Townsville led by captains Latrell Mitchell and Joseph Tapine.
he only place to watch both games of the Las Vegas opening double-header live is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
The Maori men went first as the squad circled Knights forward Leo Thompson. Kodi Nikorima and Dane Gagai also featured heavily in the Haka.
It was finished off with a powerful moment as former Warriors teammates Josh Curran and Jazz Tevaga went forehead to forehead and eyeballed each other.
“My goodness… that was sensational,” Fox League commentator Dan Ginnane said.
Women All Stars launch powerful display | 02:11
MORE NRL NEWS
WATCH: Emotional scenes as All Stars launched with powerful pre-match display
ULTIMATE GUIDE: $100k up for grabs as Sea Eagles defend pre-season challenge title
NRL v NFL DEBATE: Which sport is tougher?
COACHES UNDER PRESSURE: Eels reality; Bennett murmurs Souths boss can’t shake
Up next it was the Indigenous mens side’s turn with Sharks five-eighth Braydon Trindall taking centre stage. Speedsters Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow featured heavily, as did Queensland Cup veteran hooker Kierran Moseley.
The players met in the middle of the field once again as Nicho Hynes and Adam Pompey shared a tense stare-off.
“It really is stirring stuff,” Ginnane said.
Fox League expert Michael Ennis added: “The pride, the passion it’s so captivating that it almost leaves you speechless.”
Discussion about this post