Melbourne Storm winger Josh Addo-Carr wanted to show his respect to Indigenous AFL player Nicky Winmar during the All Stars match on Saturday by recreating his iconic anti-racism gesture.
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Minutes before kick-off and just after the Indigenous side produced a spine-tingling war dance lead by Latrell Mitchell, Addo-Carr re-enacted the famous moment by lifting his jersey and pointing to his skin.
In 1993 the St Kilda star's Indigenous pride display was a response to receiving relentless racial abuse by Collingwood supporters.
"He changed it for black fullas so I thought I would show my respect to him," Addo-Carr said.
The NRL player, who has ties to the Wellington community, said the moment was a big stepping-stone for Indigenous people who just want to be included.
"We want to be one with all Australian's," Addo-Carr explained.
"We bring people into Australia, they're welcomed, why can't the first ever people to be in Australia be welcomed? We just want to be happy with everyone."
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Addo-Carr said he hoped Winmar saw his recreation.
"I thought about that picture during the week and I thought I might do it," he added.
"I thought it might make a few people angry but I'm very proud of it. There's a great story behind the photo and I'm really proud that I did it."
Addo-Carr said he received a lot of support from his Indigenous teammates.
"It got them up before we started doing shake-a-leg.. so I'm glad everyone enjoyed it," he said.
"I just want to make my people proud, they drive me to be the best I can be."