NRL All Stars 2025

NRL All Stars 2025: Maoris Win It With a Thrilling Nail-Biter!

Find out how the Māori All Stars clinched a historical win!

The 2025 NRL All Stars match took place in a thrilling atmosphere, featuring an intense showdown between the Māori All Stars and the Indigenous All Stars. As fans packed CommBank Stadium, the stage was set for a battle that merged skill with heart in a firestorm of pride and competitive spirit. Both teams entered the second half with scores locked at 0-0, pushing each other to the limits with grit and determination. In a nail-biting finish, the Māori All Stars managed to edge out their opponents by four points, making for a memorable conclusion to an epic contest.

The defence of both teams shone brightly throughout the match, with fierce tackles and strategic plays captivating the audience. The highlight reel showcased stars like Kalyn Ponga and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who brought their A-game in a night that promised drama and excitement. A couple of tackles almost derailed Indigenous attempts to score late in the match, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The Māori side ultimately triumphed, thanks largely to tries from Jacob Laban and Jesse Arthars, which cancelled out Shaquai Mitchell's valiant efforts for the Indigenous team.

In addition to the men’s match, the Indigenous women’s team also dazzled the crowd, securing a hard-fought victory that highlighted their incredible skills and teamwork. The drama unfolded in both contests, but it was the women who celebrated a victory while the men fell heartbreakingly short. The All Stars matches always deliver an unparalleled sense of unity, showcasing the rich cultures of New Zealand's Māori and Indigenous communities while providing exciting rugby action.

As the dust settled on this year's All Stars event, one fact remained clear: 2025’s match was the lowest scoring since the inauguration of the All Stars games in 2010. The Māori All Stars' win represents not just a trophy, but the unbreakable bond and pride of the Māori people displayed through the sport. Did you know that the Māori All Stars and Indigenous All Stars matches serve not only as sporting spectacles but also as a celebration of cultural heritage? These events foster community engagement, breaking down barriers on and off the field by creating a space where shared stories and respect flourish.