The originator of rugby league’s Indigenous All Stars concept, Preston Campbell, has backed calls to move the match away from the Gold Coast as the NRL continues to consider the game’s future.

Campbell said he was happy with the 23,177-strong crowd that cheered on the Indigenous team’s 20-6 boilover win against the NRL All Stars.

“There is a lot of pride in the jersey shown but it doesn’t matter where it is played, it is the concept,” he said.

“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 ticket sales and the withdrawal of injured big name players marred the lead-up to the event’s 2015 return following a 12-month hiatus.

The match is in danger of being squeezed out of an NRL pre-season calendar becoming increasingly packed by the Auckland Nines and an 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 coach Laurie Daley says he hopes discussion on the future direction of the match is a moot point after his team’s stunning victory.

He says the match is a great opportunity for NRL stars to engage with indigenous communities.

“That’s the message the boys have been spreading all week – if you have a dream and are prepared to make some sacrifices there is no reason you can’t do something,” he said.

Indigenous skipper Johnathan Thurston added: “I got emotional once that hooter went.

“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.”