'Represent your blood' - Māori All Stars coach says Indigenous clash more than just a game

Māori All Stars coach Stacey Jones believes his side's fixture against the Indigenous All Stars in Melbourne tomorrow night will be a spectacle a lot of "proud Māori people" will be watching with interest.

Jones told media today that his team has been keeping things simple at training and that the players are excited to be representing their family and Māori heritage.

"It's the first game of the season, within the group we are proud to be here," said Jones.

"We know there is a lot of proud Māori people back home who will be watching this game with a lot of interest.

"I know there are a lot of boys after a lot of tickets so that is always a good indication."

Four Australian players with Māori heritage have been included in the squad - Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai, Jordan McLean and James Tamou.

"This is the closest thing that this group here and the playing group get, to play for your family and really represent your blood. And there are a lot of players that want their family to be here."

Māori All Stars skipper Adam Blair told media today that he is feeling anxious ahead of tomorrow night's fixture.

"To be honest I'm quite nervous sitting up here, you know it is a massive honour and privilege to represent my culture and heritage," said Blair.

"I'm proud of it. Why I'm nervous is because I don't want to let my people down and the people that we're [representing], going out there to do them proud.

"I just want to make sure I do them justice for what we are trying to do and what we're trying to build as a culture."