Calls for Australian anthem change as NSW pair refuse to sing at State of Origin opener

NSW winger Josh Addo-Carr has joined Blues teammate Cody Walker in vowing not to sing the Australian national anthem before next Wednesday's first State of Origin match in Brisbane, saying it does not represent the country's Indigenous people.

New NSW five-eighth Walker will stand silently when Advance Australia Fair is played before a sold-out Suncorp Stadium and Addo-Carr said on Wednesday he would proudly do the same.

"I respect what he said," Addo-Carr said of Walker. "We are Australians too. Indigenous people were the first people here, on the land.

Addo-Carr was part of the same Indigenous All Stars team as Walker in February when the South Sydney playmaker stayed silent as the national anthem played before their win over the Māori All Stars at AAMI Park.

Asked about the stance taken by Walker at the time Addo-Carr didn't wish to comment in any great detail.

However, in the months since that match, he has given Walker's position greater thought.

Addo-Carr believes a national conversation must be had to immediately address the lack of representation for Indigenous people in the Australian anthem.

"The anthem doesn't represent us as Indigenous people," he said. "We have to change it."

The Melbourne Storm flyer also revealed he hadn't taken part in singing the anthem since leaving school, questioning why he should do so when it did not represent his Indigenous roots.

"I've forgotten how to sing it. I haven't been to school in about 10 years. I hardly sing it anyway," he said.

"I am a proud Australian man but a proud Indigenous man, too. If it's not going to stand for my people, why should I sing it?"

Addo-Carr's comments come as Walker reiterated his stance on the anthem in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald.

The 29-year-old's comments were supported by Indigenous league legend Johnathan Thurston, who was both surprised by the lack of discussion Walker's stand in February generated.

Addo-Carr also questioned why a change hadn't been made to better represent Indigenous people in Advance Australia Fair.

"We're Australians too. Why can't we recognise the Indigenous people of Australia?" he asked.

"How hard can it be?"

Addo-Carr, meanwhile, weighed into Queensland coach Kevin Walters' bizarre decision to ban any mention of NSW in the Maroons camp this week.

Queensland forward Jai Arrow wouldn't even say the word "blue" when asked what colour his eyes were on Wednesday.

Maroons debutant Moses Mbye later revealed Queensland players would be fined if they dared mention their opponents next week by name.

Addo-Carr's famous, contagious laugh was the only response he could conjure when asked about the approach.

"I've heard about it but we aren't allowed on our phones," he said after a burst of laughter.

"I'm not too fussed about what they have to say.

"All we are focused on is us and our game plan that we have to take up to Suncorp on Wednesday. It's exciting times."

Addo-Carr also revealed he will no longer celebrate his tries in typically flamboyant fashion should he cross the line on Wednesday.

"I'm not allowed to do any try celebrations anymore," he said.

"I suppose everyone says they are a selfish thing. I put the team first.

"(Teams) have obviously got me to where I am today so if it wasn't for the teams I have been playing in, I wouldn't be here."