The New Zealand Maori league sides will get their biggest boost in history with a game against the Australian Indigenous All Stars expected to be announced by the NRL this week.

A pre-season mens and women's double header will be played in Melbourne on February 15 according to nrl.com. although there was no indication if it would become a regular feature.

The Indigenous team could include players such as Greg Inglis, Dane Gagai and Josh Addo-Carr while a host of Kiwi internationals would feature in the Maori line-up.

Next year's match might also become the farewell appearances for Immortal-in-waiting Johnathan Thurston and the outstanding Broncos forward Sam Thaiday, who are retiring this year.

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

The Indigenous team has played matches against a World All Stars until this year, when the concept was put on hold. There was some criticism the world team lacked motivation, with many players withdrawing.

A New Zealand Maori side could include the likes of Jesse Bromwich, Tohu Harris, Adam Blair, Issac Luke, Benji Marshall, Dean Whare, Jordan Rapana, Russell Packer and James Tamou.