The National Rugby League (NRL) will celebrate Indigenous Round this weekend (round 22), highlighting the significant contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make in Rugby League, both on and off field.
Throughout the round, the NRL will promote its partnership with RECOGNISE, the people’s movement to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution and ensure there’s no place in it for racial discrimination.
In support of the cause, all ‘zeroes’ on 40-metre lines at matches will be transformed into the RECOGNISE symbol.
In 2008 the NRL was the first national sporting code to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan and the Game continues to support and implement Indigenous strategies and programs.
Cowboys, Sharks, Broncos, Eels, Knights, Panthers and Storm are amongst the NRL teams wearing Indigenous jerseys and a host of other activities are planned for Indigenous Round:
- For the first time during a regular NRL round, referees will wear an Indigenous jersey, designed by contemporary Indigenous artist, Chern’ee Sutton. Chern’ee’s heritage lies with the Kalkadoon people from the Mount Isa area in Queensland
- Traditional dances will be performed at matches
- A welcome / acknowledgement will take place at matches
- Indigenous players will take part in the coin toss prior to matches
- Local Indigenous teams will play at half-time across matches
- A guard of honour will be formed at matches by members of the Clontarf Foundation, which exists to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal men
- Young indigenous players will run out with teams
- Internationally acclaimed Indigenous singer, actor and NRL ambassador, Jessica Mauboy will perform prior to the Broncos vs. Bulldogs clash at Suncorp Stadium
For more information on how you can support and learn more about the RECOGNISE movement, visit www.recognise.org.au
