There has also been discussion about using the three weeks of football as a springboard into the international calendar, with the possibility of playing an Indigenous team against tier-two nations like the Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Senior Indigenous players, however, wanted the All Stars to remain at the start of the year. The same sources confirmed some of the players said it would be harder to physically prepare for an end-of-season All Stars game, compared to playing shorter games at bush knockouts.
Latrell Mitchell back training at South Sydney last week
The players and Rugby League Players Association also wanted more detail about how the post-season international schedule would work.
When contacted on Friday, the NRL said the draw, including when to play the All Stars, was yet to be finalised.
RLPA chief executive Clint Newton said of shifting the All Stars game: “We’re always open to schedule adjustments, but only when they’ve been properly planned and well-thought-out, and what the positive outcomes are for moving that game. It just hasn’t landed there yet, and the NRL have made a decision [on the All Stars] they feel is the right one for now.”
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Mitchell has played in six All Stars games and captained the Indigenous side to victory over the Maori All Stars at the start of this year. In the past he has served a suspension from the previous season in that match.
The NRL have more to consider this time around because Mitchell’s sanction is related to an off-field incident.
Mitchell has already resumed training after playing just 11 NRL games last season due to of suspensions and injury.
