Group 11 secretary Paul Loxley believes All Stars matches are a "wonderful" concept but he isn't expecting the fixture to return to the competition any time soon.
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Loxley was speaking after calls were made in Group 10 to expand their current All Stars weekend.
The Group 10 All Stars clash started in 2016 but a lack of support from clubs saw it scrapped in 2019 and the decision was made for it to be now held every second season.
It returns to the field this year and Kurt Hancock, who played a major role in getting the idea off the ground in 2016, wants to see it become an even bigger celebration of rugby league.
Hancock, the current Western Rams under 18s coach, said ideally a full weekend involving players who originate from New Zealand, Papua New Guinea or the Pacific Islands would be part of the competition schedule.
"I think it's important to celebrate, not only the Indigenous players, but all the different cultures within rugby league. That's the beauty of the game, it brings people together," he said of the idea.
Group 11 hasn't run its own version of the fixture since 2013, when the David Peachey-coached Indigenous All Stars defeated a Group 11 All Stars side coached by Andrew Ryan.
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Loxley fondly remembers that game but with the current costs of running a football club and already cramped schedule, he's not sure if it will return any time soon.
A number of players made themselves unavailable for the Group 10 game last year and Loxley's main concern is something similar happening in this region.
"We haven't spoken about it but it can be something that's put on the table," he said.
"Everyone really enjoyed it but it's not on the agenda.
"It's a great game and a great concept ... the problem is it costs a lot to run football clubs now and even when we play Group 10 this season it's on a Saturday and players have got to back up on the Sunday.
"I'm not sure how clubs would feel with two extra games in what is a shorter season and where it would fit in."
Hancock said the All Stars concept and cultures within the game should be celebrated on an annual occasion as it brings people together.
It was clear the 2013 fixture had that effect as a strong crowd turned out at Apex Oval to see the Indigenous All Stars down the Group 11 All Stars 36-30.
"I remember it clearly," Loxley said.
"It was wonderful and something guys still talk about today."
In other Group 11 news, Loxley confirmed the annual representative clash with Group 10 will be played on May 16.
The location is yet to be confirmed but those players chosen for Group 11 will have to back up on the Sunday and play in their respective round four fixtures.
Any player who makes themselves unavailable for selection in the Group 11 representative side without valid reasoning will be suspended for two matches.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
