'Need to look at it': Nicho Hynes calls for Super Bowl-style change to save All Stars fixture
Sharks superstar Nicho Hynes has called on NRL officials to look at revamping the schedule in a bid to ensure the future of the All Stars fixture.
In what has seemingly become a yearly talking point, the annual clash between the Indigenous and Maori teams will go ahead on Sunday with a number of big names unavailable.
Latrell Mitchell and Kalyn Ponga are the most notable absentees, with the benches for both sides tested for depth and featuring players with limited first grade experience.
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Kalyn Ponga during last year's All Stars. Getty
However, according to Hynes - who will partner Cronulla teammate Braydon Trindall in the halves on Sunday afternoon - it's important to focus on who is taking the field.
"People want to talk about the negatives of not having players, but people need to worry about the positives and look at the next generation coming through," he told 2GB's Wide World of Sports Radio on Wednesday night.
"It's not always about the big names, it's also exciting to see some players come through who will get their opportunity in the NRL and could eventually be superstars.
Watch the NRL All Stars women and men's games live and free on Nine and 9Now on Sunday, February 15.
"I think some people can get caught up thinking about what's not here, but we can shine a light on what is here.
"It means the world to me and it means the world to the next generation."
The classy 2022 Dally M Medal winner was then asked if there's an opportunity to play the All Stars game at a different time of year in order for clubs to allow their big-name stars to feature without fear of injury or suspension before round one.
Nicho Hynes during the 2024 All Stars game. Getty
Hynes believes the blockbuster clash could be better-suited before the grand final, opening the door for a week off before the NRL's season decider.
"There's always gotta be a place for this game, it's a really good spectacle and if it's not at the beginning of the year, maybe it could be towards the back-end," he said.
"Maybe the NRL need to look at having a week off before the grand final and possibly playing the All-Stars then, it could be a good warm-up for the internationals too.
"There's definitely still a place for this game, I don't think we need to scrap it - but we need to put our minds together, both the Indigenous and Maori people. It's bigger than a game of footy, it's two proud long-living cultures who get to celebrate it.
"I think the AFL do it, they have a week off [before the finals series] and the NFL do it before the Super Bowl, so possibly we could look to do it.
"You could have a long build-up for that week and have different events."
Christian McCaffrey during this year's Pro Bowl games. Getty
The AFL have a bye week to allow players time to rest and recover before the finals series begins, while the NFL has a week in between the NFC and AFC Championships games before the Super Bowl between the two conference winners.
In that week off, the NFL hosts a Pro Bowl event - but over time, that has dwindled from a quality game between the best players to an exhibition where many of the sport's marquee man withdraw and opt not to take part.
This year's NRL All Stars clash will be held at FMG Stadium in Waikato, Hamilton.
