The Illawarra Hawks' Amarco Doyle is set to lead the Indigenous Basketball Australia All Stars in their upcoming clash with Poitūkohu Māori Aotearoa in Cairns. ## What's at stake?
The annual showcase, presented by VicHealth, will be held at Trinity Ford Stadium in Manunda during NAIDOC Week. The event celebrates Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori athletes while using sport to strengthen culture, connection, and community. Last result: Illawarra Hawks 114-104 Melbourne United (2025-03-23), and with a recent form of 4W-0D-1L, the team is on a 4-game winning run.
The teams
The men's team includes Biwali Bayles, Kobe McDowell-White, and Johny Narkle, alongside Illawarra Hawks guard Amarco Doyle and Adelaide 36ers recruit Deonte Williams. Former Brisbane Bullets guard Tamuri Wigness will also return to the All Stars line-up. The women's team will feature WNBL players Jessica McDowell-White, Hayley McDowell-White, and Indiah Bowyer, with emerging and established players from across the country also selected.
The significance
Bindal man and IBA Basketball Operations Manager, Tyson Demos, said the event had become a key part of the organisation's calendar. "Our annual All Stars event presented by VicHealth provides a platform for the country's premier Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander basketball players to proudly represent their culture on an international stage," Mr Demos said. The games will also include cultural performances and presentations. National Basketball League CEO, Dave Stevenson, said the NBL and WNBL were proud to support the series during NAIDOC Week. The women's game will start at 6pm, followed by the men's game at 8.30pm. Tickets are now available via INTIX. The 2026 event is the second edition of the Trans-Tasman series after IBA won both the men's and women's games in Melbourne last year. And with the Illawarra Hawks' recent form, fans can expect an exciting match. So, get ready to cheer on the IBA All Stars, led by Amarco Doyle, as they take on Poitūkohu Māori Aotearoa in Cairns.