Campbell backs All Stars relocation

The man behind the All Stars concept, Preston Campbell, says he has no problem with the Gold Coast game relocating - and just as well.

It was confirmed on Saturday that the showcase event would return to Brisbane in 2016 despite more than 23,000 attending the Indigenous side's stunning 20-6 upset over their NRL All Stars rivals on Friday night.

Ex-Titans player Campbell liked what he saw on Friday night as the public voted with their feet on the tourist strip in response to criticism of the All Stars concept.

Campbell's chest puffed out as he reflected on the All Stars game returning to original home the Gold Coast in 2015 after Brisbane hosted the last match before a 12 month hiatus.

But Campbell felt it was "only fair" if the All Stars match was shared around Australia.

"There is a lot of pride in the jersey shown but it doesn't matter where it is played, it is the concept," he told AAP.

"And it's only fair to share it around.

"People come from far to watch this game - we need to take it to them, give them an opportunity to see it in their backyard."

NRL boss Dave Smith this week stopped short of guaranteeing the All Stars game's future after slow initial Gold Coast ticket sales and the withdrawal of injured big name players marred the lead-up to the match.

But Smith sounded like a different man on Saturday after the Indigenous team's stirring victory in front of a near capacity crowd.

"This is an extremely important week for the game," Smith said in a statement.

"It was clear last night what this contest meant to those who were part of it.

"The All Stars week will have touched many lives this week and inspired many people, which is why it is so important."

It would have been music to the ears of Campbell who feared the All Stars match may be squeezed out of an increasingly packed NRL pre-season calendar thanks to the Auckland Nines and this year's expanded World Club Challenge series.

NRL All Stars coach Wayne Bennett backed the call to take the game on the road.

"This is beyond how many people turn up...you could take it to most parts of Australia and you are going to have a sell out," he said.

Indigenous skipper Johnathan Thurston did not have to be sold on the merits of the All Stars match after upsetting an NRL outfit boasting an international pack.

"I got emotional once that hooter went," Thurston admitted.

"It's a massive week for our culture, for what our past players have done and the sacrifice that those have made to get into the NRL."

https://nz.sports.yahoo.com/