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Josh Addo-Carr urges Kangaroos to emulate the All Blacks and introduce a HAKA-esque pre-game native challenge: ‘We’re all Australian and that’s what matters’
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Australian Test winger Josh Addo-Carr says he dreams the kangaroos take on a pre-game native challenge similar to the haka.
Addo-Carr, Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton are the three Indigenous players named in Mal Meninga’s roster for their Sunday [AEDT] Rugby League World Cup opener against Fiji in Leeds.
The trio were part of the NRL’s pre-season Indigenous All Stars side, where a traditional battle cry has been performed in response to the Maori team’s haka.
Josh Addo-Carr has summoned the Kangaroos to introduce a pre-game native battle cry
New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands will all have traditional pre-game performances during the tournament this year, but Australia – the largest country in the Pacific region – will not.
Former NRL player Dean Widders has used his profile to advocate for the introduction of a pre-game challenge before any Kangaroos test.
Addo-Carr was the subject of one of the most memorable images of the 2020 season at the All Stars dance.
He paid tribute to former AFL player Nicky Winmar by lifting his shirt and pointing to his skin during the performance, saying he would welcome an Indigenous challenge to become a regular part of the pre-game ritual of the kangaroos.
The Maori All Stars performed the Haka last year for the start of the NRL All Stars game
That was answered by the NRL Indigenous All Stars, led by Latrell Mitchell
“It would be really good for everyone to buy in,” he told AAP.
“The All Blacks do it, even if they’re not all Maori. Me, Latrell and Jackie would love it.
“There are things we can do to adapt it for some guys who can’t dance. There’s a lot we can do so everyone can be a part of it.”
Addo-Carr was happy to emphasize that he would have no problem with the participation of the Kangaroos’ non-indigenous players.
The All-Blacks regularly perform the haka for rugby union test matches
The Kiwis also perform the haka for international rugby matches
“We’re all Australian and that’s what it’s all about, togetherness,” he said.
‘That’s what my culture is all about: respect. It would be awesome to have it, we could get some elders and professional dancers to help create something special.
Addo-Carr’s recall in Australia means he is in line to play representative football for the first time since 2021.
Overlooked by NSW State of Origin coach Brad Fittler this year, his form in a resurgent Canterbury side has led him to return to Meninga’s setup for the England tournament.
Addo-Carr’s recall in Australia means he’s in line to play rep football for the first time since 2021
But rather than celebrate his own entry into the Kangaroos, the 27-year-old said he was delighted to see Bulldogs teammate and limitless international Matt Burton.
“I was more excited for him since it was his first year with the Dogs and being a five-eighth,” Addo-Carr said.
“I knew our combination was going to be special. It would just take some time. We need our . to thank [Bulldogs] teammates to help us get here.
“It shows that the Bulldogs are on the rise and shows the competition that you can go to a club that is struggling and still have some success.”