Richard Hinds

Sydney Morning Herald

The NRL's All Stars game might be a mere pre-season exhibition. A chance for the fortunate few to soak bodies aching from the rigors of the pre-season in the Gold Coast surf and catch up with mates. But its significance becomes apparent when you talk to the players, particularly those in the indigenous team.

For once, the impish grin leaves Chris Sandow's face when he talks about the responsibility he will carry on Saturday. "You're playing for your community and your mates," says Sandow, who will have plenty of family and friends from his home town, Cherbourg, at the game. "You don't want to let them down."

Like Sandow, Jamal Idris, has spent much of the past six months justifying a controversial decision to leave one team for another. But, of course — on and off the field — they are part of the indigenous team for life. "At the end of the day, we're playing for each other and we're playing for each other's families," says Idris, echoing a sentiment that runs through the indigenous team. "We are playing for our own culture. When I run out onto the field, I like to think about my own sisters and my uncles and my aunties... I think the other guys do too."

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