'It's my time': Why Cherrington finally feels at home in All Stars clash

Kennedy Cherrington’s ancestors were staunch and fierce Māori warriors and it is those characteristics that make her one of John Strange’s favourite players to coach.

The Eels and NSW Blues firebrand was born and raised in Australia, but she is passionate about wearing the Māori jersey against the Indigenous All Stars in the annual fixture at FMG Stadium Waikato on February 15.

Cherrington, who was forced to miss the 2023 All Stars match at Rotorua due to a broken hand, is one of four players officially confirmed for the double-header in Hamilton. They are:

• James Fisher-Harris (Māori Men)
• Nicho Hynes (Indigenous Men)
• Kennedy Cherrington (Māori Women)
• Jaime Chapman (Indigenous Women) 

The All Stars fixture will be the first time Cherrington has played in New Zealand but she and sister Rueben have spent a lot of time there in recent years connecting with their culture.

“I believe in divine timing, and this is my time,” Cherrington said. "Culture is at the forefront of who I am so to represent not only myself, but my family and my ancestors who came before me, means so much.

“This is the pinnacle and there is so much pride behind this jersey for me. It is going to be very special for me personally, as well, because I have never played back home in Aotearoa.

“I was born in Australia and bought up the Māori way but not necessarily around my language and traditional customs, which I now crave for because I am always going back home to make sure I get that cultural connection.

“My sister and I have really been on our journey the last two years, learning our language, going back often to visit and making sure we understand our whakapapa, or family history.”

Kennedy and Rueben have ties to the Ngāti Hine and Ngāti Ngāpuhi iwis from Northland on their father’s side and the Ngāti Tūwharetoa iwi from Korohe and the east coast-based Ngāti Ruapani ki Waikaremoana iwi on their mother’s side.

Their grandfather Nau Cherrington and uncle Norm Berryman played for the All Blacks, while cousins Anthony and Manaia played in the NRL.

"I like to say that we are pretty hearty where I come from," Cherrington said/

We are pretty staunch and strong warriors, so I like to think that I resemble some of the characteristics and morals and values that my tūpuna and ancestors had back then.

“I love being part of the All Stars camp because it is such a culturally enriched week where you just get to be Māori, and that is the best thing that I love about myself.

“I am so proud to represent my culture in everything I do; I get to put on a jersey and represent my people in the pinnacle of rugby league - All Stars. That is so special.”

It’s a big call by Cherrington, who wears her heart on her sleeve whether she is playing for Parramatta, NSW or the Māori All Stars, which is why Strange – the Blues coach – enjoys coaching her.

Strange said: "I love coaching Kennedy Cherrington. I coached Kennedy in Origin last year and she is a player I love coaching, just with the energy that she brings, so it is exciting to link back with her again".

The 27-year-old said Strange, who was an assistant coach when she played for Sydney Roosters in 2020 and had charge of her in Origin last season, knew how to bring out the best in her game.

“He is very clear with what he wants and I am so receptive to that because I know that he believes in me and coming into this jersey it is basically Origin all over again,” Cherrington said.

“I know what he expects and that is going to be my job come All Stars.”

The return of the Warriors to the NRLW last season has ensured a bigger pool of talent for the Māori Wāhine Toa as the likes of Payton Takimoana and Shakira Baker switched codes to play for the New Zealand club.

Takimoana, the NRLW's leading tryscorer, and Baker will be joined in the Maori team by Warriors team-mates Harata Butler, Mya Hill-Moana, Matekino Gray and new recruit Gayle Broughton, who won the Trish Hina Medal in 2023.

“This is probably the hardest team that we have had to pick because there is so much of the new generation that are pushing through, which means there is so much awesome talent that won’t be showcased in All Stars,” Cherrington said.

“I feel like the game went to another level last year and we are going to see it do that again this year, which is insane to think about.

“I know that there is a lot of eyes from other codes looking over so it keeps us honest and really pushing for spots. Imagine the girls that will come into the fold in the next 12 months

“It just brings so much cultural opportunity, especially for girls like myself, who were bought up in Australia. If I want to live back home, there is an opportunity to do that and still play rugby league.”