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Join our Fantasy SRP leagueOn a Mission: Griffiths’ cultural calling with the Indigenous All Stars
Kieran Bingham • February 13th, 2026 11:01 am
Photo: Photosport
Ronnie Griffiths has rolled into Hamilton to coach the game he loves, but this time it is not with the Wahine Wahs.
Instead, he is preparing to lead the Indigenous Men’s side in the annual All Stars clash, a role that sits close to his heart and carries far more weight than a pre-season fixture.
For Griffiths, the Indigenous All Stars jersey represents more than rugby league. It represents identity, opportunity and hope.
“Sports are a great conduit for disadvantaged Aboriginal people to close the gap. There's so many disadvantages for our people and this is a chance for them to see their heroes and sport provides a way out for them.”
On Sunday, the Indigenous All Stars face the Māori All Stars in Hamilton, a contest built on culture, pride and connection. For Griffiths, the occasion is about ensuring his players understand exactly what they represent.
Connection to heritage has always shaped his own journey.
“I knew who I was from when I was a kid, my father was an Aboriginal activist so that's how I grew up.”
That strong foundation is something he knows not every young man has had the privilege of experiencing.
“I can trace my lineage back to first contact in Australia but a lot of these young men have been dispossessed, they're culturally unsure of who they are. Our job is to make sure that culturally we fill their cups up.”
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Griffiths sees the All Stars concept as a platform for genuine change. It challenges stereotypes and gives players the confidence to embrace who they are, both on and off the field.
“It’s about changing perceptions, but also changing lives.”
“They change the public perception of who they are, then they go and have fantastic careers and they're able to set their family up on the back of it.”
While his focus right now is Sunday’s clash, there is no hiding the excitement about what lies ahead in the NRLW. The Wahine Wahs squad has been labelled by some as a super team and Griffiths is eager to get started.
“It's a fair squad isn't it? I can't wait. It's actually too far away. I want it to start.”
Listen to the full interview below:
