Ahead of the 2021 NRL season, some of the biggest names in Rugby League collide this Saturday night from 5:30pm AEDT on 9Gem in a huge double-header showcasing some of the top male and female Indigenous and Maori stars of the game, as they represent their culture on the big stage.

The women’s Maori side will be searching for some retribution following a narrow 10-4 loss to the Indigenous side in last year’s contest. Both sides are filled with NRLW stars, with the superstars like Corban McGregor, Zehara Temara lining up for the Maori All-Stars, and Quincy Dodd and Tallisha Harden for the Indigenous team, hoping to deliver their side another victory.

From 7:30pm AEDT on 9Gem, it’s the men’s turn to wage war, both sides packed with superstars of the game.

The Indigenous outfit again features Latrell Mitchell at fullback, and his in-form Rabbitohs teammate Cody Walk debuts in the halves after missing out due to injury in 2020. Jack Wighton and Jesse Ramien make for a formidable centre combination, and the heralded David Fifita will power the forwards on.

For the Maori All-Stars, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad brings his unstoppable energy to the fullback position, while Roosters flyer Joseph Manu makes his debut for the side. Panthers standout Jarome Luai slots into five-eighth, though many eyes will be on his halves partner, with veteran star Benji Marshall getting the call-up to again lead the side to victory.

Both fierce matchups will give fans their first taste of rugby league for the year ahead of the 2021 NRL season kicking off on March 11th on Nine.

AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S INDIGENOUS ALL-STARS v WOMEN’S MAORI ALL-STARS, LIVE from Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Date: Saturday, February 20th
Host and commentators: Erin Molan, Allana Ferguson, Ruan Sims, Peter Psaltis

Sydney 5.30pm LIVE on 9Gem
Brisbane 4.30pm LIVE on 9Gem
Melbourne 5.30pm LIVE on 9Gem
Adelaide 5.00pm LIVE on 9Gem
Perth 2.30pm LIVE on 9Gem

AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS ALL-STARS v MAORI ALL-STARS, LIVE from Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Date: Saturday, February 20th
Host and commentators: Erin Molan, Andrew Johns, Billy Slater, Brad Fittler Ruan Sims, Johnathan Thurston, Sam Thaiday, Mat Thompson

Sydney 7.30pm LIVE on 9Gem
Brisbane 6.30pm LIVE on 9Gem
Melbourne 7.30pm LIVE on 9Gem
Adelaide 7.00pm LIVE on 9Gem
Perth 4.30pm LIVE on 9Gem

For further information please contact Nine Publicity:
Jason Evans
E jaevans@nine.com.au

Friday, February 19, 2021