Thousands of devoted rugby league fans descended upon Harvey Norman, Te Rapa, in Kirikiriroa this week for a meet-and-greet with their NRL All Stars idols, ahead of a highly anticipated clash between the Māori All Stars and the Indigenous All Stars this Sunday.

The excitement was palpable as supporters queued for a chance to meet the players. Among the crowd was super-fan Leon Penny of Ngāti Te Wehi, who arrived with his family to join the fanfare and called himself the “54-year-old child.”

“I think I’m worse than the children… I’m jumping in front of all these kids and I think I’m doing worse than what the kids are doing, so that’s how passionate I am about rugby league,” Penny said. 

“I came here today because I’m a big rugby league fan. I love both of these teams, no matter who it is, Māoris or the Indigenous, and I used to play when I’m a little fulla and that’s why I’m still passionate about the game,” he said. 

For Māori All Stars player Leo Thompson, a descendant of Ngāti Rangiwewehi and Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, the event and the game mean more than just a win.

“It means everything to me, that’s why I always put my hand up every year to be here, and it’s just really important to me and my whānau,” Thompson said. 

“I’d like to dedicate this one to my nan who passed away at the end of last year, so I know all my whānau will be watching, they’ll be proud as. My nan was a loving person and loved watching me and my brother play,” he said.

“Well, the goal is to win obviously, but you know I love coming back into this kaupapa, refreshed culturally and to fill up my cup to head into the NRL season.”

Francis Pokaia, another fan in attendance, admitted his family are the bigger enthusiasts. “My family really love rugby league and I’m not really a big fan but I enjoy watching it on TV,” he said, though he confirmed his allegiance for the upcoming match, “The Māori All Stars. Yup, I’m cheering for them.” Penny echoed this sentiment, stating, “Māoris for sure. I think they can do it but I’m not going to take it away from the Aborigines too. They’re pretty sharp.”

The excitement of the fans was obvious to see as they met their rugby league idols. A big game is now ahead for both the Māori and Indigenous All Stars as they will battle it out on the field this Sunday at FMG Stadium in Kirikiriroa.