LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The future of the NRL All Stars match has recently come into question, with rising concerns regarding player availability sparking discussions about the event's role in the rugby league calendar.
Since its inception in 2019, the annual pre-season clash featuring the Indigenous All Stars and Māori All Stars has replaced the traditional NRL All Stars game and has become a significant cultural event during the opening month of the season.
However, complications such as a packed schedule, overseas obligations, and injury management have resulted in several high-profile players being unavailable, leading to uncertainty about the match's sustainability in its current format.
In light of these concerns, South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Jai Arrow has vocally supported the event, emphasizing its cultural and educational importance.
"I love the concept," Arrow stated in an interview with SEN 1170 Drive.
"I love what it's all about… I love how two cultures get to come together and represent their names and family, and learn about it as well.
"It's definitely, as a fan, the one on the calendar that I look forward to."
Arrow underscored the match's significance in promoting Indigenous and Māori culture to a broader audience.
"I love when boys are representing their culture and I suppose raising or teaching people like myself who probably aren't as cultured as they are to learn about what they're about," he expressed.