The 2020 NRL Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars will return to the Gold Coast, a decade after the inaugural match was played at the now Cbus Super Stadium.

Indigenous and Maori male and female teams will face off for the second year running in an exciting double-header on Saturday 22 February.

Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council Chair, Katrina Fanning, confirmed the 2020 All Stars on the Gold Coast was a fitting tribute to the initiative 10 years on.

“The All Stars concept has grown enormously since the first game in 2010, with an emphasis on celebrating the event alongside players and fans in the week leading up to the games and including representative male and female teams,” Ms Fanning said.

“I’m looking forward to joining fans in February next year on the Gold Coast and I encourage new and existing All Stars supporters to join together in celebrating Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Maori history and heritage.”

National Rugby League Head of Football, Graham Annesley said the matches would celebrate the remarkable contribution Indigenous and Maori players have made to rugby league.

“Some of the very best players the game has ever seen come from Indigenous and Maori heritage. There’s no doubt that both matches will showcase an exciting brand of rugby league. I know it’s an occasion the players really look forward to,’’ Mr Annesley said.

“It’s wonderful to see this event back on the Gold Coast, the original home of the All Stars concept.”

Titans players Ryan James and Kevin Proctor joined Broncos players Amber Pilley and Rona Peters for the announcement on the Gold Coast today.

The women’s Indigenous and Maori teams will play in the opening match of the double-header, followed by the men’s match.

Tickets for the 2020 All Stars double-header will go on sale in December, with fans encouraged to register their interest at www.nrl.com/waitlist

The All Stars matches will be broadcast live on the Nine Network, Fox League, SKY NZ and on NRL Live Pass.

Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister, Kate Jones, said the All Stars clash complemented a rich calendar of Indigenous celebrations across Queensland including the Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival, Quandamooka Festival, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and the Gulf Country Frontier Days Festival.

“The All Stars concept was originally launched on the Gold Coast in 2010 and has grown to become an important part of the NRL’s calendar,” Ms Jones said.

“This announcement comes off the back of a hugely successful inaugural NRL Magic Round in Brisbane in May where almost 50,000 fans travelled to Brisbane for the event – yet more proof that footy fans will travel to Queensland to watch quality rugby league.

“Major events pump millions into our economy and support local jobs. That’s why we’re negotiating to lock in more sporting content for the Coast - to support local businesses and grow the tourism industry.”

City of Gold Coast Acting Mayor, Donna Gates, added: “We are very pleased to welcome this great match back to our city. It has become a must-watch event on the NRL calendar and we couldn’t be more proud to host it here.

“With the projected economic impact for the City in the millions this is another example of the Gold Coast again showing we are a true sports event destination.”

The 2020 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars is proudly supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland, along with the City of Gold Coast and Stadiums Queensland.