The Roger Penrith Memorial game lived up to the billing, with both sides giving it their all in a game that ended in a 26-all draw at EW Moore Oval on Saturday afternoon.
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The Indigenous side was able to make a fast start with Kane Simpson playing a chip and chase as was able to just beat Kane Hammond to the ball and open the scoring.
The Barbarians were able to hit back quickly, with Moses Lolohea able to make a break up the middle before passing off to Isaiah Potts, who scored in the corner.
It was two in quick succession for the Barbarians, with Villamie Vuloko able to go back on the short side and make the most of the smaller wingers to push his way over.
Stevie Charles was able to make a burst from dummy half to get over in the corner and restore the Indigenous side's advantage, but right on halftime Noah Hey was able to push his way over to give the Barbarians a 14-10 lead at the break.
The Indigenous side wasted no time hitting back in the early stages of the second half with Blake Carroll getting over, and with Stephen Broome continuing his strong day with the boot, they lead by two points.
Carroll scored his second soon after to push the lead to eight before Lachlan Pengelly was able to find a hole in the middle of the Indigenous defence and scored under the post to bring it back to a two-point game.
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With four minutes left to go in the game, it looked like the Indigenous side would take out the cup when Kelvin Simpson was able to pounce on a loose ball to score in the corner, but Broome missed the conversion leaving it at a six-point lead.
Kane Hammond, who was one of the Barbarians best, found his way over the line with just two minutes remaining, and the successful conversion saw the sides level when the final siren blew.
Captain of the Indigenous side, George Broome, felt a draw was a fair reflection of what was a tough hit out.
"It was a good first hit-out for the year," he said.
"It was hard, but it was fitting to end the game a draw. It was a very hot afternoon, and it took it out of us. In saying that, it was a good show for the first game of the year, and I hope the crowd enjoyed it.
"Having the year off, you can definitely feel it, and I think we have all missed football, that's for sure."
The Group 20 season will get underway on May 1.
Liam Warren
As someone with an underlying passion about sport it is a privilege to report on the sporting landscape around the MIA
As someone with an underlying passion about sport it is a privilege to report on the sporting landscape around the MIA
