Barba stars as Indigenous United take out Harmony Nines

By PETER ROWE

Indigenous United retained their crown at the Harmony Nines rugby league multicultural festival on the weekend, defeating Maori team Hawaiki Roa 20-4 in the grand final.

With a star-studded lineup, that included former NRL star Ben Barba in their ranks, Indigenous United one through the three-day tournament undefeated.

Over 70 teams representing 17 different cultures from the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, PNG and Great Britain took part in men’s and women’s open, masters, boys and girls nine-a-side league in fast and furious nine-minute halves.

“What a great weekend,” Barba told ibnews.com after the win.

“I’ve not played over here before, but it was such a great experience to play against so many different cultures and experience what they all offer.

“A great honour to play on Noongar country as well.”

Barba now 35, plays his footy locally in the Mackay region of Queensland now, but hopes to be back in WA next year.

“It’s such a great event. I was going to play last year but it didn’t happen. Definitely I plan return next year, ” he said.