The Maori All Stars retained the trophy after a dramatic 16-16 draw with the Indigenous All Stars in Hamilton.
The Indigenous side will rue what might have been after star five-eighth Braydon Trindall was forced off late in the contest.
With halfback Te Maire Martin already sidelined with an ankle issue, Maori hooker Zach Dockar-Clay found himself lining up a 30-metre field-goal attempt in the dying moments.
As the clock wound down Indigenous forward Brent Woolf, who has yet to play an NRL match, sprang in to charge down Dockar-Clay's effort and preserve the draw.
The outcome mirrors the 2021 fixture, the second time the annual clash has finished level and leaving the Maori side as holders of the cup.
Cronulla playmaker Trindall had driven the Indigenous attack and believed he had set up Jayden Campbell for a match-winning try inside the final ten minutes.
He cut inside around the 40-metre mark and lofted a chip to Campbell, but replay evidence showed Campbell lost control as he attempted to regather.
Trindall was then removed for a head injury assessment after a collision with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad during the lead-up to that near-score.
Earlier in the match Trindall deceived Preston Riki with a dummy and produced a basketball-style chest pass to send hooker Connor Watson over the line.
Trindall also put the Indigenous side ahead after halftime with a well-weighted grubber intended for Josh Addo-Carr.
Addo-Carr powered through and flattened Keano Kini on his way to the tryline.
The match showcased rising talent and fine margins, ultimately leaving both teams to share the honours.
Despite the draw the Maori All Stars keep the cup until the next edition.