Rugby league expert Phil Gould has raised concerns about the future of the All Stars game, which is currently in danger due to its scheduling before the NRL season. Established in 2010 by Indigenous icon Preston Campbell, this annual representative match celebrates the cultures of Australia and New Zealand, featuring Indigenous, Maori, and women’s teams, along with touch football events.
However, issues have arisen regarding player availability, with top talents frequently missing from the line-up. Critics have suggested moving the game to the end of the NRL season, though this would not resolve the availability concerns. On a recent podcast, Gould expressed that maintaining the All Stars match during pre-season will become increasingly challenging and that it’s crucial it remains on the calendar.
He highlighted the conflict of scheduling, noting that representatives from various levels of rugby league and international fixtures strain player readiness for the start of the season. With each player potentially facing a demanding schedule of over 35 games annually, the viability of the All Stars concept may hinge on a reassessment of its timing, although the significance of celebrating Indigenous cultures in rugby league should remain a priority. Despite the challenges, Gould insists that the essence of the game remains valuable to the sport.