Planned representative fixture to cause upset amongst NRL stars

There’s been plenty of talk about what comes next for the international and representative games in the wake of a successful Rugby League World Cup.

There has been discussion surrounding State of Origin rules around who can represent the blues and maroons and Samoa and Tonga, despite World Cup success, have remained as Tier Two nations to allow their star players to keep playing Origin.

Meanwhile, there are reports that the IRL are planning the next year of internationals including a clash between Samoa and Tonga which could involve IMG who are stakeholders in the Betfred Super League.

One discussion around international rugby league was of course chat surrounding splitting Australia into two teams including the Indigenous side who play one game a year in the All Stars clash.

This was mostly shot down by star players opened up on the prospect of touring with the All Stars in the future including Latrell Mitchell.

He did however say he didn’t want it to be at the expense of Australia fixtures.

However, he will no doubt be keen to don the Indigenous All Stars jersey for their traditional season opener, however the fixture is reportedly causing upset amongst the All Stars themselves with the game set to be taken outside of Australia for the first time and away from the areas where the players believe the game needs to be promoted.

This is according to the Daily Telegraph who reported: “The NRL All Stars match in New Zealand in February has caused a major backlash from Indigenous players.

“It is the first time the match has been played outside Australia and areas where the Indigenous players are so keen to promote their culture.

“The match is on Saturday, February 11 at Rotorua International Stadium.

“The Indigenous stars were originally told they could stay in Australia until the Thursday before the game to spend time in schools and remote areas to share their message. Now the NRL has booked their flights to New Zealand on the Monday.

“They will have no time to do what they are most passionate about and some players are even talking about a boycott.”