NRL 2026, Indigenous All Stars, Nicho Hynes, First Nations culture, Māori culture

Author: Cameron Mee NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Fri 16 Jan 2026, 06:01 AM

Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes is eager to take the next step in his development as a First Nations leader as he looks to make his return to the Indigenous All Stars side for next month's clash.

A congested pre-season schedule and Cronulla's early travel to Las Vegas forced Hynes to sit out last year's match but he's desperate to represent his culture in this year's fixture in Hamilton.

It would mark the Dally M Medal winner's fourth All Stars appearance, having first played for the Indigenous side in 2022.

Since then, Hynes has emerged as a leading voice in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander space and he's eager to deepen his connections to First Nations communities during the upcoming camp.

2026 NRL Indigenous All Stars Jersey reveal

"The week is bigger than the game of rugby league," Hynes told NRL.com. "It's about learning everything that comes with the beautiful nature of our culture. It's about connecting with the boys, connecting with the women's team and some proud men and women coming together to share one common goal.

"It's been awesome to become a leader. If you told me when I first started NRL that one day I'll be a leader in this space, I wouldn't know how to take that and maybe I would have had a little giggle to myself.

"There's still so much to learn for me and I'm continuing my journey, trying to evolve a lot more. There's no way I'm anywhere near finished my journey of who I am so the more I can get in these camps the better."

Round 1 - Round 1 - Sunday 15 Feb

4:45 am

Maori

Indigenous

Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

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This year's game will return to New Zealand for just the second time, with the Māori All Stars to take on the Indigenous All Stars at FMG Stadium in Hamilton on Sunday February 15th.

The venue will host a triple-header, with a mixed touch match to be followed by the women's All Stars game and then the men's clash.

Hynes is one of a host of big names in the mix for Indigenous selection, with Sharks teammate Braydon Trindall, South Sydney's Cody Walker and Gold Coast's Jayden Campbell among the halves in contention.

Latrell Mitchell, Josh Addo-Carr, Jack Wighton and Connor Watson could also line up in Hamilton for Ron Griffiths' side.

Hynes has spoken in the past of the intimidation he felt when first transitioning into the NRL. Addo-Carr played a key role in helping the playmaker find comfort in his own skin.

The Indigenous War Cry

Now he hopes to reunite with his former Melbourne teammate as the game's Indigenous stars combine for a showpiece event on the rugby league calendar.

"I love representing the Indigenous All Stars," Hynes said. "I want to be there every year. With Vegas last year it was hard to fit it in the schedule but hopefully there's another opportunity this year.

"Fingers crossed I get through the rest of the pre-season and then I've got to get picked. If Ronnie wants to give me a call and let me know I'm in the team, I'll happily accept it."

Hynes goes over untouched

Hynes has fond memories of first All Stars match played in New Zealand, the halfback scoring a try and receiving the Preston Campbell Medal for player of the match in a 28-24 win in 2023.

Māori fans turned out in force to support their side in Rotorua and another big crowd is expected in Hamilton.

Hynes is eager to travel across the Tasman to learn more about Māori culture and explore ways the two communities can support each other in both Australia and New Zealand.

While the action on the field will be fierce, he is confident the fans will embrace the Indigenous side during their week in Waikato.

Hynes wins the Preston Campbell medal

"I still remember last time in Rotorua the passion from the fans," Hynes said. "They were all singing the same songs and even though they weren't going for us I still felt like we were supported.

"We had to go through the crowd to warm up and everyone was cheering our names and loving us. Then as soon as you took the field and the haka started, they were all for the Māori side.

"But after the game they celebrated what was such a great concept and you don't feel like you're not loved. For 80 minutes you probably aren't, but then it's all love. It's going to be a great spectacle for the game and for all players involved, whether it's your fifth All Stars or your first."

Tickets to the Harvey Norman All Stars game are selling fast. Head to NRL.com/tickets to be part of an annual celebration of culture.