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![\"Josh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/untitled-facebook-post-1.png\"\/)
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\n Josh Curran has developed into an Indigenous leader and role model.
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In Josh Curran\u2019s first Indigenous All Stars camp, players were asked to move to one side of the room if they were well educated on their culture or to the other if they didn\u2019t have much knowledge.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was kind of in the middle, but on the lower end,\u201d Curran said. \u201cI always knew that I was Aboriginal, but I didn\u2019t start learning about my culture until I became a teenager.”<\/p>\n
Curran’s grandfather was a member of the Stolen Generation and for many Indigenous victims, discussion about the past could be traumatic, so the Bulldogs forward wasn’t well versed in his family history.<\/p>\n
However, since his All Stars debut in 2020, Curran has developed into an Indigenous leader within the NRL and is passionate about the importance of the annual match against Aotearoa M\u0101ori.<\/p>\n
With the February 15 fixture being played at Hamilton\u2019s FMG Stadium Waikato, he believes the opportunity to experience M\u0101ori culture in New Zealand will empower the Indigenous players.<\/p>\n
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\n Josh Curran has developed into an Indigenous leader and role model.
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\u201cAll Stars is a game I love so much, I have played five of them now and it sets up my season. I go away and it fills up my cup,\u201d said Curran, who plays in Indigenous-themed headgear.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose camps they start you off, and I can honestly say now that I know so much about myself and I even learned last year that I have family in Armidale.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou learn so much about your culture and other boys as well. When we go into that camp it feels like we have been together for like three months.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust to see everyone come together – us and the M\u0101ori All Stars, as well, learning about each other\u2019s culture – it feels like everyone who goes into camp comes out a better person.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\n ![\"Josh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/77158479_curranj-no-try-250215_bc_18178_2025215202225.jpg\"\/)
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\n Josh Curran is passionate about his Indigenous culture and the All Stars concept
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A proud Darug man from Western Sydney, Curran spent five seasons with the Warriors before joining Canterbury in 2024.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old said living in New Zealand gave him an appreciation for how strong M\u0101ori culture is and why it so highly valued.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is one of the big factors of why I wanted to move over to New Zealand. Obviously, it was an opportunity to kick-start my career, but it was so cool learning about the M\u0101ori culture and how they do everything,” Curran said.<\/p>\n
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They teach the Maori culture at school whereas when I was at school I didn\u2019t learn anything about my culture, which is sad.<\/p>\n
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\u201cIn New Zealand they have got schools where when you walk through the gates you can only speak the M\u0101ori language. After school and at home you can talk English.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel that the way they drive their culture and how passionate they are about their culture is something that we need to take on board.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt school I never got taught it but once I left school and got into an NRL system I actually started learning about my Indigenous side more. It is one thing I wish I learned when I was young.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Curran answers back for Indigenous<\/p>\n
With the Bulldogs to open the NRL season in Las Vegas against St George Illawarra on February 28, Curran isn’t sure if he will be available for this year’s All Stars fixture.<\/p>\n
However, the 2027 Perth Bears recruit insists his passion for the Indigenous jersey will never wane.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMy totem is a goana and I always say I put my culture before anything,” Curran said. “It is close to my heart, and it always will be until the day I die.<\/p>\n
“People think that because I am white I am not Indigenous, they say, but I tell every kid out there that it doesn\u2019t matter what colour you are, if you have got Indigenous blood in you, you go out there and be proud.<\/p>\n
“If you are Indigenous, you definitely should be proud of that.”<\/p>\n