The last-second goal which lifted the women's NRL Indigenous All Stars to a remarkable win over their Māori counterparts also broke the deadlock of the all-time record between two proud rugby league cultures.
Monique Donovan in the second minute, Jaime Chapman in the ninth minute and Ella Koster in the 35th minute scored tries for the Indigenous mob while Chanté Temara started the fightback for the Māori team in the 13th minute, Laikha Clarke crossed during the 25th minute and Lilly-Ann White backed up three minutes later to take the advantage in Parramatta on Saturday.
For the following 18 minutes of the second half, the Māori All Stars held grimly onto the two-point lead and looked like they could keep their rivals from crossing the line, but the Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander lineup broke through for a controversial 20-18 win.
It turned out to be the closest margin of all seven clashes in women All Stars matches that ensured Indigenous sides lead the head-to-head record four wins to three since the maiden 2019 battle in Melbourne.
The Indigenous All-Stars had to reply on the boot of a reserve playmaker who came off the bench throughout the final 16 minutes to replace star halfback Kirra Dibb, who finished the night sighted in a moon boot.
It started with Indigenous All Stars leader Talisha Harden requesting a captain's challenge over a hand in the ruck from Rima Butler who pulled the ball away off Lailani Montgomery.
The video referee agreed, Montgomery by chance took a penalty shot and her goal reduced the margin from 18-16 the Māori side's way to 18-18.
Montgomery attempted to kick a field goal in the final minute next to edge a point ahead but missed, amid the howls of protests from teammates.
The captain's challenge would reveal the Māori gave up a second penalty in less than six minutes for indiscriminately falling over Montgomery's leg during the kicking motion.
Victory was only secured as the ball sailed over on the 59:59 mark to finish the 60-minute women's game in front of a swelling crowd of 14,279 spectators.
Montgomery wouldn't have been on the field had it not been for an injury to Kirra Dibb, who was seen limping after full-time while wearing in a moon boot.
"My first word is wow," Indigenous teammate Quincy Dodd said of Montgomery's ability to be in the right place at the right during the press conference.
"She's an incredible human being and on that field there she took it with both hands. She executed it so well.
"Kirra is an amazing player and to step into her shoes, she did the best for us and got us those two points at the end there. She will always remember this game and this week."
