Rugby league's Māori All-Stars are making no secret of the pride in representing their families and their heritage, at they prepare to face Australia's Indigenous All-Stars in Melbourne on Friday.
The match, which sees the Maori All-Stars take the field for the very first time, is being heralded on both sides of the Tasman, seeing rugby league pay tribute to the heritage of both Kiwi and Australian stars.
Speaking to media in Melbourne, Kiwis and Melbourne Storm hooker Brandon Smith spoke of the pride in representing his family, with the Waiheke Island native to line up in the number nine jersey for the Māori All-Stars.
"It's definitely a proud moment, particularly for my mother's side of the family," Smith said in Melbourne.
"She's a Māori and for her this is massive. Getting to see my iwi next to my name in the team lists – she was super excited.
"This game is for her."
Despite playing for both the Kangaroos and New South Wales, prop James Tamou will be another to line up for the Māori All-Stars.
"It's what you grow up with as family," Tamou said. "That's why all the Māori players are here, representing that.
"All these players have their own journey in life and they will always be part of the Māori heritage and Māori culture to go with it."
Coach Stacey Jones says that he's hopeful that Friday's clash will be the first of many for the Māori All-Stars, optmistic of the match being used as a springboard for up and coming Māori players to use as inspiration.
"It's very special," Jones told media.
"These guys playing in this game are giving back to the game, giving back to the Māori people. Hopefully some kids that will be watching will say one day I want to be in that team."
Maori All Stars : 1. Peta Hiku, 2. Dane Gagai, 3. Esan Marsters, 4. Dean Whare, 5. Jordan Kahu, 6. Kalyn Ponga, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. James Tamou, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Adam Blair (c).
Interchange : 14. Danny Levi, 15. Brad Takairangi, 16. James Fisher-Harris, 17. Gerard Beale, 18. Corey Harawira-Naera, 19. Joseph Tapine, 20. Kenny Bromwich.
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