The annual All-Stars match has been the most anticipated part of the NRL's pre-season fixture since its inception in 2010.

It began as the Indigenous All-Stars versus NRL All-Stars, then the World All-Stars before evolving into its current form; Indigenous versus Maori All-Stars.

The All-Stars have always been the players' chance to showcase their culture while entertaining the footy-starved fans in February.

To date, there have been 11 All-Stars matches, but which one was best?

We've narrowed it down to our three favourites:

2. 2012: NRL All-Stars beat Indigenous All-Stars (36-28)

The result in this high-scoring affair came in part due to three interesting rule changes.

Firstly the 20/50 rule, similar to the 20,40 rule present in today's game, teams that kicked from inside their 20 and found touch outside the 50-metre line would retain possession.

Secondly, changes to penalties awarded in the ruck area, basically a pre-cursor to the six again rule that would be implemented eight years later.

And finally - the power play, where once a half, captains could call for two players from the opposition side to be sidelined for the next five minutes.

The result was a frenetic game of football, sealed in the final eight minutes when Benji Marshall would send a gorgeous cut-out ball the way of Manu Vatuvei, the conversion making it an eight point difference.

Play of the day: Matt Bowen

The play came in the 28th minute with the Indigenous All-Stars playing with just 11 men thanks to the power play.

20 metres out from the try line the ball came to Johnathan Thurston who put in a banana kick on the fourth tackle.

Matt Bowen, seemingly materialising from thin air darted after the football capturing it just shy of the dead ball line and crossing over for a phenomenal All-Stars try.

The moment was perfectly punctuated by a superb Ray Warren call.