Despite the wet conditions that greeted players in Townsville, the Touch Football All Stars contest was a fast-paced affair, with the Indigenous All Stars squaring the overall head-to-head ledger with a runaway 7 tries to 2 victory over the Māori All Stars.
Led by commanding performances by Keeron Hughes and Jaymon Bob, the Indigenous side dominated field position early on and controlled play beautifully – with the Māori side making some uncharacteristic handling errors in the pouring rain.
Following a 10-all draw in last year’s match, it was a vastly different contest at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Keeron Hughes opened the proceedings by diving low for the first try of the game with an eye-catching step off his left foot. The Māori side drove up the field in the ensuing sets, but their momentum was shut down when Andi Law scored in the corner after some good lead-up work by Hughes to draw in the defenders.
Both sides showed their wares with great defensive reads to shut down each other’s attacking raids midway through the first half. The Indigenous side continued their strong start thanks to Jardel Bob off an assist from brother Jaymon with an open-side quickie – creating a 3 tries to nil advantage at the break.
The second half began much like the first through a strong defensive read from Andi Law to prevent Pihuka Berryman-Duff from scoring in the corner. Jaymon Bob continued his outstanding form with a long spiral pass from dummy half for Keely Silva to score in the corner – extending the lead for the Indigenous side.
On the next play, Jaymon showed he can score tries as well as setting them up, with some dazzling footwork in the wet to stroll through the Māori defensive line. The Indigenous side maintained their momentum throughout the second half, with debutant Riley Jones putting Townsville local Shameus Edwards through a hole with a no-look pass to extend the lead to 6 nil heading into the final moments of the match.
Five-time Māori All Stars representative Kingston Lamberg wrestled some respect back into the scoreline with a consolation try in the 33rd minute after being denied earlier in the second half. But the Indigenous All Stars quickly struck back with Keeron Hughes streaking off a quick interchange play from Riley Jones on the wing.
A try to Pihuka Berryman-Duff in the corner closed the scoreline in the dying minutes, but it was the Indigenous All Stars who came away with the victory in a largely one-sided affair.
Keeron Hughes capped off an outstanding match being awarded his maiden Shane Frederiksen medal, while Rebecca Mi Mi celebrated her third Bo de la Cruz medal in succession for the Indigenous side.
The victory capped an outstanding week for the Indigenous side, part of a week-long cultural immersion and fully integrated camp with the NRLW and NRL Indigenous sides celebrating Indigenous culture.
Many thanks to the NRL and Māori Touch NZ for the opportunity.
Missed the game? Rewatch all the action on Kayo Sports.
Final Score
Indigenous All Stars 7 v Māori All Stars 2
Try Scorers
Indigenous All Stars
- Keeron Hughes – 2
- Andi Law – 1
- Jardel Bob – 1
- Keely Silva – 1
- Jaymon Bob – 1
- Shameus Edwards – 1
Māori All Stars
- Kingston Lamberg – 1
- Pihuka Berryman-Duff – 1
Shane Frederiksen Medallist: Keeron Hughes (Indigenous All Stars)
Bo de la Cruz Medallist: Rebecca Mi Mi (Indigenous All Stars)
All Stars Head-to-Head Result: Māori All Stars 2, Indigenous All Stars 2, Draw 1
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