A Selwyn Cobbo hat-trick in just 12 minutes was enough to see the Indigenous All-Stars defeat the Maori All-Stars 28-24 in an entertaining contest at Rotorua International Stadium.
As the Maori side led for 44 minutes and controlled large portions of the game, they just failed to do what was required to come away with the win.
Cobbo’s night did not get off to the best start, as a grubber was fumbled from him and Zach Dockar-Clay was quickest to pounce for the opening try.
Some sturdy defence then kept the Indigenous side at bay before they eventually scored through Tyrell Sloan.
Sloan was the recipient of a nice flick pass from Brent Naden in the centres as Mitchell was unable to convert.
The Maori side then extended the lead when Jesse Arthars split the defence beautifully and scored with ease.
Rapana would convert but it soon became the Hynes show.
First, he danced, weaved and dodged his way through some flimsy defence before he made a second break and found Naden for a try.
A powerful run by Jordan Riki then saw the lead change hands again before Cobbo’s stellar efforts saw the Indigenous take command.
Cobbo’s first try came via the boot of Cody Walker as the deft grubber found its way to the Brisbane winger.
Cobbo then showed lovely hands to scoop up a grubber before evading several defenders and he raced away to score.
The third and final try saw quick hands go left and Cobbo was able to duck inside a defender and showing strength to score.
A late try to Maori forward Preston Riki would make things interesting at the end but it was the Indigenous side who held on.
NRL News Player of the Game
3. Nicho Hynes (IND)
2. Brent Naden (IND)
1. Selwyn Cobbo (IND)
