If given the choice, Cameron Smith says he would opt for the All Stars to take precedence over the NRL Auckland Nines in a reshuffled pre-season.
World All Stars captain Smith admitted “something has got to give” in a NRL pre-season that had now become so hectic stars now needed to pick and choose which events they could play.
Smith threw his support behind the besieged All Stars game but admitted the number of big-name withdrawals had hurt the concept, revealing he was personally disappointed with Johnathan Thurston’s unavailability.
The All Stars game’s future is again under a cloud due to player welfare concerns and waning public interest in the wake of the Nines’ popularity and an expanded World Club Series in the United Kingdom.
The sixth instalment will be held at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
But asked if the All Stars should take precedence over the Nines, Smith said on Tuesday: “I am a traditionalist. I would opt to play this (All Stars).
“I was given the choice of playing the Nines or this by (Melbourne coach) Craig Bellamy and I chose this.
“It’s where I would rather play.”
However, Smith did lament the lack of marquee players at this weekend’s All Stars clash – especially good mate Thurston.
North Queensland co-captain Thurston reluctantly withdrew from the Indigenous side in order to prepare for the Cowboys’ February 21 World Club Challenge final clash with English champions Leeds.
“I will be honest I would have loved for him to be available, he is a massive drawcard for this match,” Smith said.
“But I understand his commitment to the Cowboys.
“They did something pretty special winning their first premiership and it’s always nice to go over to England and take out the World Club Challenge as well.
“I have been lucky enough to do that myself.
“That was his choice to make.”
Five players have made themselves unavailable for the Indigenous side while a whopping nine of the original 20 from the World All Stars squad have pulled out.
And Smith said fans would have to get used to not seeing the stars shine if the busy pre-season format remained.
“Maybe something has to give,” he said.
“At the moment that’s our calendar and all the players are doing their best to satisfy the schedule, but unfortunately you can’t have all the stars playing in every match.
“We’ve lost a few through the Nines, one of the biggest names has opted to prepare for the World Club Challenge in Johnathan Thurston – unfortunately with the demands of the game and training we just can’t get up for everything.”
Meanwhile, Indigenous All Stars captain Greg Inglis backed Wayne Bennett’s call that the NRL must guarantee the concept’s future.
The NRL’s two-game contract with the Queensland government to host the game expires this year.
“It’s not only giving back to Indigenous people but fans in general,” Inglis said.
“I just can’t speak highly enough of the week and the game.”
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
That would be a little unfair. Souths and Brisbane give up Thaiday Inglis and Roberts while the Warriors give up who exactly? With legitimate prize money on the line as well the clubs wouldn't be overly enthused with weakening their selected teams even further or having to send players they didn't want to due to a new Quota for a nines rep team.
djcooper
Roar Guru
Why not just enter an indigenous side in the nines!? Each club has to give up a certain amount of players or face the risk of a fine.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Pete - the All Stars game reminds me of a form of apartheid - with an "us versus them" mentality. I personally don't like to see players divided by culture, race, skin colour, or heritage. Both Rugby League and Aussie Rules continue to offer indigenous athletes equal opportunity at every turn. If these indigenous players feel like they do not belong or are being hard done by, then they should refuse to play in an Australian team that wears the green and gold. Why not turn their indigenous all-star team into their own tribal national team and compete directly against Australia, NZ, England and other nations at a true test match level? They could also hold their own State of Origin - The NSW Koori's versus The QLD Murri's.
pete bloor
Guest
I disagree with the "bridging" senitment without positive discrimination, and celebrating heritage rather than denigrating it, the divide will remain - because it certainly isn't in our past.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Rubbish. It is very competitive footy. It is a great show.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
The first match ever played was full of expectation, and it really delivered. Unfortunately as each year has progressed, so has the level of intensity. I don't particularly like the All Stars concept. I believe that it continues to highlight a divide from our past, rather than bridging any differences that are necessary for equality. I prefer the Nines, where a host of fresh faces get an opportunity to shine, and different cultures compete with each other side-by-side.
Fairdinkum
Roar Rookie
The all stars game imo lacks excitement as only one side seems to take it more seriously than the other.The charity shield game this week will be more popular.
Andrew
Guest
It's helps the kiwi's and also the national day..? I can't spell it. Also, there's more & more kiwi's playing league these days. ALSO...the mighty eels won!! 29 years, was 13 yrs old then.
dayer
Guest
i hope the nines remains, because it's entertaining and is a great SHOW. play all stars every 4 or 5 years or say bye bye.
turbodewd
Guest
Id be surprised if the Nines lasts past its 5-yr contract. Its just a show rather than competitive footy.