The Cronulla Sharks have today announced the playing strip to be worn in commemorating the NRL’s ‘Indigenous Round’, in the Club’s match against the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 22.
With a unique design incorporating the tales and histories of the local Indigenous communities, decorated artist Daren Dunn has designed the jersey in a manner that best represents the people of the Cronulla area.
“I just wanted to make the jersey that powerful, to show the Cronulla Sharks and the community just how powerful it is when we ‘paint up’,” Dunn said.
“As an international artist and a designer, I like to do my homework too ... it’s more of a ceremonial [design], that we as aboriginal and non-aboriginal people can come together as one.
“To show the NRL how much it means to us, not just to see aboriginal fellas walking out in jerseys, but to see non-aboriginal fellas walking out in jerseys – that’s what close the gap is.”
Sharks front-rower and Indigenous All-Stars representative Andrew Fifita said the design is one that he and the rest of the Cronulla team will be proud to wear.
“It’s an honour. It’s a privilege to play for my people and my country,” he said.
“To recognise the Indigenous and Torres Strait people it’s a real honour. We’re pretty happy [with the jersey’s design], they’ve done a really good job on them.”
Sharks sponsor, Bluestone have kindly given up their sternum sponsor position on the player's jersey to 'Recognise' for the 2015 Indigenous Round jersey.
'Recognise' are a 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.
What also makes this jersey more significant is that this is the first retail Sharks Indigenous Jersey that features the Club's new major sponsors Southern Radiology and Bluestone on the sternum.
Sharks members and fans can purchase the jersey on pre-sale from the Sharks Store today - but be quick as there are a limited number of stocks.
