LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Origin Welcome to Country ceremony is once again stirring up controversy among NRL legends, with the debate heating up over its perceived tokenism and impact.
The traditional ritual, carried out by a local Indigenous Elder to honor the land and welcome guests, has become a standard feature at major sporting events across the country.
While Savannah Fynn's rendition at Origin 1 in Sydney was praised by many, it prompted polarizing opinions from figures like radio host Kyle Sandilands, who claimed it had become stale and unoriginal.
The choice of Fynn for such a significant rugby league event also sparked criticism from within Indigenous communities.
Former NRL stars Dean Widders and Timana Tahu went head-to-head on the matter on the NRL show "Over the Black Dot," airing on SBS' NITV.
The clash of opinions and perspectives mirrored the fierce battles seen on the rugby league field, with both sides passionately defending their stance on the issue.