CLUBS throughout the National Rugby League (NRL) competition marked Indigenous Round with a show of artistic and culturally significant jerseys designed by Indigenous artists and players, but for at least one NRL club the players’ feet made an equally strong statement.
The Newcastle Knights men and women were kitted out in unique, hand-painted football boots that were crafted by students from Catherine McAuley Catholic College (CMCC), Medowie.
The students presented the players with their boots during special presentations at the Knights Centre of Excellence, in Newcastle.
According to the school’s Facebook page, hard work, creativity and thought went into each design, and students were thrilled to finally unveil their artwork to players.
The Knights hosted their NRL and NRLW Indigenous Round matches on Sunday, 16 August, while wearing their decorated boots.
The men recorded a 36-26 win against the Gold Coast Titans while the women were defeated by the Canberra Raiders.
Some of the players’ boots are for sale via auction through the Cultural Choice Association website at https://ccai.org.au/auction/
The website is at pains to state that the condition of the boots is subject to the wear-and-tear they experienced during the game.
The NRL and NRLW Indigenous Round matches can feature pre-game cultural performances, Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country ceremonies, and stadiums named in traditional custodian languages.
The overarching goals are to promote reconciliation, educate the wider rugby league community and foster respect and social inclusion.
According to the Newcastle Knights’ Reconciliation Action Plan, the Indigenous Round jerseys are visual statements of identity, truth-telling and belonging.
“Co-designed with Aboriginal artists, Elders, and community members, each jersey reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Nations across our footprint, spanning from the Central Coast to Coffs Harbour and west to the Upper Hunter and New England regions,” the report says.
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