Touch Football Australia (TFA), in conjunction with Māori Touch New Zealand (MTNZ), is pleased to announce the Indigenous and Māori Touch Football teams to compete in the 2025 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars.
Returning to CommBank Stadium, Parramatta for the first time since 2022, the annual contest combines the best Indigenous and Māori talent on one field - celebrating culture and showcasing pride in an exciting triple-header with Touch Football, NRL, and NRLW matches taking place.
With the ledger tied at two wins apiece, both sides are searching for a winning advantage in Sydney with a total of nine debutants to take the field in an exciting matchup.
Following his maiden Shane Frederiksen medal in last year's victory, Keeron Hughes returns for the Indigenous All Stars in a largely unchanged line-up. Jarrad Rotumah will don the Indigenous colours for his ninth consecutive appearance, while Tallara Bamblett, Jai Charlton, and Evie Clarkson will make their debut.
Veteran Kingston Lamberg and 2023 Shane Frederiksen medallist Takoha Ropati lead a Māori side boasting six debutants, including Ifor Jones who claimed Player of the Final honours in the Men's Open at last year's Touch World Cup.
The All Stars presents an immersive experience for both Indigenous and Māori Touch Football sides to participate in a week-long celebration of culture, community engagement, education, and cultural activities in a fully integrated camp with their NRL and NRLW counterparts.
Congratulations to all players, coaches, and referees selected:
Indigenous All Stars Team
Tallara Bamblett* (Wiradjuri)
Jai Charlton* (Bundjalung)
Zali Chippendale (Torres Strait islander)
Evie Clarkson* (Bindal & Djuru Clans-Birri Gubba Nation [Smallwood Mob])
Shameus Edwards (Birri-Gubba)
Taimana Elers (Worimi & Awabakal)
Keeron Hughes (Gurindji & Miriwoong)
Riley Jones (Wonnarua & Darkinjung)
Andi Law (Worimi)
Jarrad Rotumah (Bundjalung)
Keely Silva (Gamilaraay & Dungutti)
Floyd Tighe (Gomeroi & Gamilaraay)
Coach: Karley Banks (Gamilaraay)
Māori All Stars Team
Niki Crombie* (Waikato)
Chylo Flavell (Te Arawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāi Tūhoe)
Ifor Jones* (Te Arawa)
Destiny Katene* (Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu)
Pokaiaua Kurukaanga* (Ngāti Hine, Te atihaunui-ā-paparangi)
Kingston Lamberg (Ngāi Tahu)
Tyla Love-Hepi (Ngāti Tūwharetoa)
Deena-Ranginui Puketapu (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu)
Takoha Ropati (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Ranginui)
Marama Thomas (Ngāti Tūwharetoa)
Jordan Tuakana Hudson* (Te Arawa)
Mariana Winiana* (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngapuhi, Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa)
Coach: Luke Chapman (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui)
Referees
David Baggio
Charlie Cheesley
Jordyn Tomba
*Denotes debutant
Indigenous and Māori All Stars Head-to-Head
2019: Māori 9 defeated Indigenous 6
2020: Māori 12 defeated Indigenous 8
2021: Not played
2022: Indigenous 7 defeated Māori 3
2023: Indigenous tied Māori 10-10
2024: Indigenous 7 defeated Māori 2
Bo de la Cruz Medallists
2015: Carly Walsh (Indigenous All Stars)
2016: Hannah Dyball (TFA All Stars)
2017: Hayley Maddick (TFA All Stars)
2022: Rebecca Mi Mi (Indigenous All Stars)
2023: Rebecca Mi Mi (Indigenous All Stars)
2024: Rebecca Mi Mi (Indigenous All Stars)
Shane Frederiksen Medallists
2015: Lachlan Pierce (Indigenous All Stars)
2016: Dylan Hennessey (TFA All Stars)
2017: Pete Norman (TFA All Stars)
2022: Jardel Bob (Indigenous All Stars)
2023: Takoha Ropati (Māori All Stars)
2024: Keeron Hughes (Indigenous All Stars)
