Australian Test winger Josh Addo-Carr says he dreams of the Kangaroos adopting a pre-game Indigenous challenge akin to the haka.
Addo-Carr, Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton are the three Indigenous players named in Mal Meninga's squad for their Sunday (AEDT) Rugby League World Cup opener against Fiji in Leeds.
The trio have been part of the NRL's pre-season Indigenous All Stars side where a traditional war cry has been performed in response to the Maori team's haka.
Latrell Mitchell (centre) of the Indigenous All Stars is seen during the Indigenous All Stars war-cry during the NRL match between the Indigenous All Stars and Maori All Stars at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, Saturday, February 20, 2021. Credit: AAP Image/Darren England
New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands will all have traditional pre-game performances at this year's tournament but Australia - the largest country in the Pacific region - will not.
Former NRL player Dean Widders has used his profile to call for the introduction of a pre-game challenge before every Kangaroos Test.
Addo-Carr was the subject of one of the most-memorable images of the 2020 season during the All Stars dance.
The Wiradjuri and Gunggandji man paid tribute to former AFL player Nicky Winmar by lifting his playing shirt and pointing to his skin during the performance, and said he would welcome an Indigenous challenge becoming a permanent fixture in the Kangaroos' pre-game ritual.
Josh Addo-Carr of the Indigenous All Stars gestures as he lifts his jersey honouring Nicky Winmar. Source: AAP / DAVE HUNT/AAPIMAGE
"The All Blacks do it even though they are not all Maori. Me, Latrell and Jackie would love it.
"There's things we can do to modify it for some of the boys that don't know how to dance, there's a lot we can do so everyone is a part of it."
Addo-Carr was keen to stress he would have no issue with the Kangaroos' non-Indigenous players participating.
"We're all Australian and that's what this is all about - togetherness," he said.
"That's what my culture is about; respect.
"It would be mad to have it, we could get some Elders in and some professional dancers to help create something special."
TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 20: Jack Wighton of the Indigenous All Stars is tackled during the NRL All Stars game between the Indigenous and the Maori Men's at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on February 20, 2021 in Townsville, Australia. Credit: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
Overlooked by NSW State of Origin coach Brad Fittler this year, his form in a resurgent Canterbury side has led to him returning to Meninga's set-up for the tournament in England.
But rather than celebrate his own inclusion for the Kangaroos, the 27-year-old said he was delighted for Bulldogs teammate and uncapped international Matt Burton.
"I was more excited for him, given it was his first year at the Dogs and as a five-eighth," Addo-Carr said.
"I knew our combination was going to be special. It would just take some time.
"We have to thank our (Bulldogs) teammates for helping us get here.
"It goes to show the Bulldogs are on the up and shows the competition that you can go to a club that's struggling and you can still have some success."
