Local area Indigenous school students have joined with the Sharks in a special initiative to help celebrate this week’s NRL Indigenous Round.
Sharks NRL project officer Tayla Kafoa gathered 14 Sutherland Shire students from a handful of different high schools, to take part in the painting class which was led by local elder Aunty Deanna Schreiber, a respected artist who also delivers the Sharks Cultural Awareness Program in educating students on Aboriginal culture and history.
The boots of the Sharks NRL squad were painted in traditional Aboriginal dot style designs.
Kafoa works with the students on a regular basis as part of the NRL’s School to Work, a program which provides support to Year 11 and 12 Indigenous students navigating the HSC and guidance for their further education and post school employment opportunities.
Calling on the assistance of Andrew Fifita, who collected the boots from his teammates, Kafoa then organised for around 20 pairs to be transported to the Cronulla club’s new base at Sharks at Kareela where the painting took place.
The Sharks NRL squad will wear the specially painted boots in their Indigenous Round match against the Broncos on Friday night.
The Sharks will also play in a uniquely designed Indigenous jersey in this weekend’s match in representing local Cronulla and Sutherland Shire Aboriginal culture.
