THE NRL Indigenous Women’s All Stars team, featuring Pallamallawa’s Rhiannon Byers, came from a 14-nil deficit at half-time to beat the New Zealand Maori Wahine All Stars 20-14 at FMG Stadium FMG Stadium, Waikato, Hamilton on Sunday.

The Indigenous All Stars came from well back to score four second-half tries, the game sealer when Jada Taylor ran the length of the paddock to score far left of the uprights and seal the game.

Her match-winning try came 10 minutes after Krystal Blackwell put the Indigenous All Stars on level terms, with a long-running try off a terrific burst from Phoenix-Raine Hippi.

Blackwell was awarded the Trish Hina Medal for player of the match.

Tries also went to Caitlin Turnbull in the 34th minute and Phoenix-Raine Hippi in the 32nd minute, with two conversions from four attempts to Kirra Dib.

Rhiannon Byers takes a selfie with family and friends after her team’s win in New Zealand on Sunday.

It was the third win by the Indigenous All Stars over the Māori Wahine in as many years, and a career milestone for Moree-born and Pallamallawa-raised Rhiannon Byers.

“Winning is an incredible feeling, but doing it while representing your culture makes it something far deeper than just a result on the scoreboard,” Byers said.

“Pulling off a three-peat is something I’ll carry with me forever. It wasn’t just about personal achievement – it was about consistency, hard work, sacrifice and proving to myself that I belong at that level.

“Every time I stepped onto the field, I felt the weight and pride of who I was representing, and that made every win mean even more.

“To not only play, but to win three in a row, is something of which I’ll always be proud,” she said.

Rhiannon Byers celebrates winning the All Stars match against New Zealand on Sunday.

Byers said Sunday’s match was much more than a game of footy.

“Winning the All Stars was pretty special for mob,” she said.

“It was more than a game – it was a celebration of our people, our strength, and showcasing our beautiful culture on a stage where it could truly be seen and appreciated.

“Standing there knowing we had achieved something together, as a collective, made it powerful. It felt like we were playing for something bigger than ourselves – for community, for family, and for the generations that paved the way for us to be there,” Byers said.

The past 12 months have been incredibly rewarding for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks backrower, whose rugby league journey began with the Warialda Wombats League Tag side.

Byers debuted with Cronulla Sharks in 2023 and last season was crowned 2025 Veronica White Medallist at the Dally M Awards in Sydney.

Late last year she announced her engagement to Will Russell, who coaches the Lisa Fiaola Cronulla Sharks team.

Byers said one of the most unforgettable parts of the journey was her jersey presentation night.

“Having my fiancé surprise me and show up meant everything,” Byers smiled.

“Sharing that moment with him and having my family there, too, was truly special.

“In those moments, you realise that while you might be the one on the field, you never get there alone.

“Their love and support are behind every achievement, and celebrating that success together made the wins even more meaningful,” she said.