LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The ongoing discussion regarding the scheduling of the Indigenous and Māori All Stars clash has resurfaced, with player availability becoming a significant issue as the 2026 season approaches.
Squads are set to be announced next week for the January 15 match in Hamilton, New Zealand. However, selectors are awaiting final decisions from clubs, as the NRL's schedule continues to become more packed.
The All Stars match is currently positioned in a challenging timeframe, sandwiched between the pre-season challenge, the Las Vegas season opener, and the commencement of a lengthy 27-round NRL season, followed by a Rugby League World Cup later in the year. With four clubs gearing up to head to the U.S. just a week after the All Stars match, many teams are hesitant to risk their key players by allowing them to participate in an additional intense game so close to the season's start.
The Brisbane Broncos' World Club Challenge against Hull KR on February 20 has already caused three players, who participated in last year's All Stars match, to be ruled out. Additionally, the clubs heading to Vegas are also expected to have several star players unavailable; however, in some instances, the final call will rest with the players themselves.
This situation has led to a growing list of names from last year's matchup who now face uncertainty, including Māori representatives such as Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai, and Leo Thompson, as well as Indigenous stars Dylan Lucas, Josh Curran, and Josh Kerr.
The absence of players from the Vegas teams also eliminates other possible selections like Dylan Brown and Trey Mooney from consideration.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs remain one of the last clubs to confirm player availability, with uncertainty surrounding Latrell Mitchell and David Fifita, who are dealing with calf and rib issues, respectively. Mitchell, in particular, faces additional uncertainty after missing last year's All Stars match due to suspension and spending significant time out in previous seasons.
With teams preparing to depart for the United States shortly after the All Stars event, the tight turnaround is increasingly perceived as an unnecessary risk for players already balancing heavy workloads.