While the importance of the All-Stars concept at NRL level to Aboriginal communities can’t be overstated, the annual fixture has fought an ongoing battle for survival.

The calls for the Indigenous side to face more fitting opposition have grown louder this year after the World All-Stars – who were distinctly lacking star power – were hammered 34-8 in February.

Team skipper Jonathan Thurston expressed a desire to play more games in Indigenous colours, possibly against second tier Test nations, and CRL Indigenous Programs manager Walford echoed the call.

“I think it’s a great idea what Jonathan put forward,” Walford said.

“It would be great to see indigenous people of Australia become a part of the world scene.

“I think everyone should aspire to play for Australia. That’s first and foremost, as it should be, but it would give younger players in the game something to aspire to.

“It’d be an opportunity for indigenous players to get recognised and represent not only their people but the entire Australian Indigenous nation.”

The importance of the Indigenous All-Stars initiative is evident in the flow-on effect that has seen in the concept spread into regional and rural areas like the Illawarra that will host it’s first All Stars Community Day at Ziems Park on Friday.

This event will feature two games with men’s and women’s Greater Southern Region All-Stars team taking on the Illawarra Chairman’s Selection and an Illawarra Women’s Barbarians line-up.

The gold coin donation entry fee will go towards the Rise for Ruby McLean appeal and the Noogaleek Aboriginal Children's Centre with organisers also calling on people to donate old boots that will be distributed to various communities in Fiji and the New England region through the Narwan Eels.

“We’ve already set the standard at an NRL level but it’s great to see it also filtering down into regional areas,” Walford said.

“I don’t think you can underestimate the power of rugby league, particularly in country regions, and certainly at the CRL we encourage any sort of initiative that produces positive outcomes which this is shown to do.

“Obviously the local indigenous communities will be very proud of the local teams representing them and their people in their regions.

“The incentive is there for young people to, not only aspire to become better football players, but also become positive role models in their local communities.”