'I am crying': Fans moved by NRL All-Stars war dances

A spine-tingling precursor to the NRL All-Stars clash between the Indigenous side and the NZ Maoris has captured the hearts of viewers.

The New Zealand side kicked things off with Adam Blair leading a fiery Maori haka at AAMI Park.

But it was the seldom seen Indigenous war dance that really left onlookers in awe.

Cody Walker, Tyrone Roberts and Josh Addo-Carr marched menacingly towards the Maori side, before captain Latrell Mitchell sprung from his circle of players to issue the challenge to the opposition.

With Mitchell leading the war cry in the absence of the injured Greg Inglis, the Sydney Roosters centre popped up in a team circle and then danced them down the field to within a metre of the approaching Maori team.

But in a reflection of the spirit of the match shown the players all embraced before lining up to play.

The passion and pride for their cultures left viewers moved on social media.

Fox Sports commentator Mark Gasnier was equally as gushing of the pre-match spectacle.

“If you didn’t feel that you’re not alive,” Gasnier said.

“That was magic!”

Host Andrew Voss paid tribute to both teams for doing their cultures proud with a memorable pre-game spectacle.

“Well does it get any better than that and the conclusion to it all that we are in the theatre of sport here tonight,” Voss enthused.

“The respective history and tradition, culture. So raw the emotion before a sporting contest.”

Speedy Indigenous side proves too strong

The Indigenous All-Stars team proved pace can beat power as they raced in seven tries to storm to a 34-14 win over New Zealand Maori.

Much was made of the Maori team’s big men but they had no answer to the blistering speed of some of the Indigenous players in front of almost 19,000 at AAMI Park.

Even rising superstar Kalyn Ponga couldn’t stop the Indigenous onslaught and showed he has plenty of work ahead to feel comfortable in his new role as five-eighth.

Local hero Josh Addo-Carr led the way early with two tries within three minutes in the first half his Indigenous team used their pace out wide to burn the Maori.

Parramatta recruit Blake Ferguson was another to get some try-scoring action in the first half and celebrated with a somersault that would have put his new coach Brad Arthur on edge.

Arthur would have been happier to see the ex-Roosters winger, who broke his leg in last year’s grand final, in full flight after taking an intercept although he was run down after a 70m dash.

The Indigenous team led 20-10 at the main break with the pick of the first half tries scored by the Eels’ Bevan French, who came into the side to replace sacked Cowboy Ben Barba.

New Knight Jesse Ramien made a 35m break and kicked a further 35m down-field with French winning the race to the ball.

The Maori’s first half tries were both scored by Dane Gagai, who became the first player to turn out for both the Indigenous and Maori teams.

Their only second half try was scored by exciting young Wests Tigers backrower Esan Marsters.

Broncos teenager David Fifita and rookie Dragons prop Josh Kerr also crossed for the Indigenous team to wrap up the comprehensive win.

With AAP