Six60 to perform haka in Sydney, State of Origin

In just a few hours Six60 will open State of Origin’s game three in Sydney.

The Kiwi band’s strong connection to their culture is one of the reasons the NRL picked them to play. 

However, there may be one Australian who isn’t happy to see or hear them.  

The sound of Australia and Aotearoa, echoing through the stadium where Six60 will soon be centre stage for State of Origin. 

"State of Origin, A Kiwi band opening, how has that happened?," Newshub asked the band's drummer.

We’re not sure, we got asked to come so we did," Six60 bass guitarist Chris Mac laughed.

With origin comes a rich dose of culture and heritage, and Six60’s song 'Don't forget your roots', is one that resonates with players representing where they come from - with passion and pride.

"A couple of years ago we started bringing in first nation Australians and Maori culture into our shows here in Australia so I think that's become a staple of our show," Mac said.

"It just seems to fit right here, state of origin and talking about origins."

While the Kiwi band are being welcomed with open arms across the Tasman, it hasn't always been like that.

"All the players listen to our music, we’re fanning out on them and they're fanning out on us,"  Six60 vocalist Matiu Walters said.

They recently made headlines in Australia when a local TV presenter criticized their use of te reo. 

"Our job is to bring people together and make it joyful if people want to take that joy and turn it into something sour, not much we can do about it."

The night will be about celebrating culture, and rugby league's greatest rivalry. 

"Chris, I see you're wearing your blues top?" Newshub asked Mac, to which he responded "Blues all the way."

"It has been a tough series for me to watch, a few tough years as a Blues fan," he said.

Tonight, even more special for Australia-born bass guitarist Chris Mac - New South Wales is his state of origin.

"Growing up watching it with my grandad it was a nice bonding thing, this just feels incredible, such an honour."

One he’ll share with 80 thousand people, with a haka, when they introduce Aotearoa’s culture on one of Australia’s biggest sporting stages.