The Sharks are proud to reveal the club's inaugural 'Tangata Moana' Pasifika jersey, designed in consultation with members of the NRL squad in honour of their rich and varied heritages.
The historic strip will be worn against the Warriors at home in Round 14, which fittingly doubles as Sharks Have Heart Round in celebration of the community coming together as one.
Pasifika jerseys are now available through the Sharks Store – grabs yours now.
The name Tangata Moana – meaning 'people of the sea' in Polynesian languages – reflects the enduring connection between Pacific Islanders and the ocean.
Meticulously crafted by renowned Pasifika artists Allen Villi and Katrina Iosia from the Katal creative studio, the intricate design incorporates symbology representing Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, New Zealand and more – see below.
"The Tangata Moana jersey design deeply acknowledges our Pasifika players who have laid down the foundation for our players today and for those who will continue to be leaders of the future," the artists explained.
"Tangata Moana represents the strength, resilience, and unity of our Pasifika people, celebrating their rich heritage and ongoing contributions to the game and beyond.
"The cultural designs drawn from various Pasifika nations are intricately woven throughout the jersey, with moana (ocean) subtly cutting into the patterns around the front and flowing towards the back – visually representing the deep connection between the players and their ancestral heritage in the Pasifika."
The concept was driven by the club's Pasifika NRL players, including KL Iro (Cook Islands), Braden Hamlin-Uele, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Oregon Kaufusi (Samoa), Addin Fonua-Blake, Sione Katoa, Siosifa Talakai and Chris Vea'ila (Tonga), and Briton Nikora, Mawene Hiroti, Tuku Hau Tapuha and Niwhai and Hohepa Puru (Māori).
"Pasifika brothers make up a large number (52 percent) of the NRL, so to have a round dedicated to all our cultures, I'm sure the boys are going to be very proud to put this on," Tonga captain Fonua-Blake said of the jersey.
"It's going to fuel a fire that's already burning inside them."
Samoan Test star Hamlin-Uele added: "From a little part of Australia called Cronulla, you don't really hear about too many Pacific Islands people in the area.
"So to showcase that we are accepted here and being showcased on the greatest stage of them all, I'm sure it will mean a lot to everyone from all sorts of cultures."
Iro, who lived in Rarotonga, Cook Islands from age two until 14, is equally excited about the opportunity to carry his culture on his back.
"For me to put on a jersey with Cook Islands designs and the Sharks logo as well is pretty special. It means a lot," the centre said.
Māori back-rower Briton Nikora will be thinking of his family and homeland in Taraunga, New Zealand when he dons the jersey against the Warriors.
"Being in Aussie for a while now, it's good to see a bit of home on a jersey that I get to play with," he said. "It takes me back to when I was growing up back home."
CLICK HERE to order a Pasifika jersey or visit the Sharks Store at Woolooware Bay.
Artist Biographies
Katal – Creative Studio
Katal is a creative studio co-founded by the dynamic duo Allen Vili and Katrina Iosia previously residing in Cairns, Australia who have now relocated to New Zealand. As pioneering individuals in digital innovation, they successfully merge art, technology, and cultural storytelling to create immersive experiences. Together, Katal develops initiatives that support digital literacy and creative development while shaping the future of art and technology.
Allen Vili (Māori/Samoan – Ngāti Awa/Ngāi Tuhoe/Saleimoa)
Multidisciplinary artist and creative technologist with over 20 years of experience in art and design. His work bridges Indigenous storytelling with emerging technologies, exploring the digital and real-time experiences. Known for large-scale projections and VR innovations, he continues to push creative boundaries, reimagining Indigenous narratives through immersive, dynamic spaces.
Katrina Iosia (Niue – Liku/Mutalau)
Multi-faceted artist and digital designer who blends materiality and traditional art with innovation. Her playful mixed-reality experiences, using augmented reality, share her story in new and meaningful ways. She continues to advocate and empower Pasifika communities at the many intersections of art and technology. Katrina was also announced as the inaugural Niue Artist Resident for 2025.
