The NRL’s Harvey Norman All Stars is set to return to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2026, promising a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture alongside two thrilling matches at FMG Stadium in Waikato. This year’s event showcases the women’s clash between the Indigenous All Stars and the Māori All Stars, with the former aiming for a historic three-peat after victories in Sydney in 2025 and Townsville in 2024.
In a dramatic showcase, the Indigenous All Stars staged an impressive comeback after trailing 14-0 at halftime, ultimately sealing the victory with a sensational long-range try from Jada Taylor. Meanwhile, the Māori All Stars men are looking to defend their title after a closely contested 10-6 win against the Indigenous All Stars last year.
Fans can follow all the action from the 2026 Harvey Norman All Stars through NRL.com’s live blog, offering minute-by-minute updates and insights.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
As the men’s match unfolded, both teams were locked at 16-16 as they approached the final quarter. James Fisher-Harris delivered a Herculean effort, inspiring his Māori teammates throughout an intense contest.
Key incidents included:
- 60 minutes: Māori forward Trey Mooney was placed on report for a dangerous tackle on Nicho Hynes.
- 60 minutes: Indigenous back-rower Josh Patston left the field for a head injury assessment (HIA).
- 57 minutes: A high shot by Hohepa Puru on Keano Kini allowed the Māori side to threaten the Indigenous defense.
Trent Toelau’s powerful try soon leveled the score at 16-16, with Mawene Hiroti successfully converting from close range. The match continued to deliver excitement as both sides fought for dominance.
Women’s All Stars Showdown
The women’s clash was equally captivating, with the Indigenous All Stars overcoming a 14-0 deficit to secure a 20-14 victory against the Māori Wahine. Winger Krystal Blackwell, who played a pivotal role in the comeback, was awarded the Trish Hina Medal for her outstanding performance, including a crucial second-half try and a total of 121 run metres.
The match concluded with a crowd of 12,441 witnessing the Indigenous All Stars’ remarkable journey to victory, highlighted by four unanswered second-half tries. The turning point came with a brilliant 70-meter try from Jada Taylor, who showcased her speed and agility.
Injury Updates and Late Mail
As the matches approached, late changes were confirmed:
- Māori All Stars: Bulldogs prop Leo Thompson withdrew on game day due to calf tightness, with Royce Hunt stepping into the starting lineup.
- Indigenous All Stars: Dragons prop Josh Kerr was ruled out with a minor injury, leading to Roosters youngster Blake Steep entering the starting squad.
Injuries also impacted player availability during the games, with several players undergoing assessments for head injuries, including Indigenous back-rower Josh Patston and Māori hooker Te Maire Martin, who left the field with an ankle concern.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Harvey Norman All Stars not only celebrates the talent within the NRL, but also highlights the cultural significance of both Indigenous and Māori communities in Aotearoa. As the teams prepare for their next matches, fans are eager to spot how the rivalry develops and which team will emerge victorious in upcoming encounters.
Football enthusiasts are encouraged to share their thoughts and predictions about the matches and celebrate the rich cultural heritage showcased during this exciting event.
