The Sharks are proud to share their 2026 Indigenous jersey, and even prouder to share its meanings.
Designed by renowned Bidjigal artist Jordan Ardler, it’s a jersey inspired by stories passed down from generation to generation and by the strength and resilience of the Gweagal people who inhabited the ‘Kurranulla’ area where the Sharks live and play.
Ardler, a proud Dharawal woman, has crafted the Sharks' Indigenous jersey for the past four years, and again worked closely with the club’s players and staff to capture the history and cultural essence of the 'Kurranulla' area.
SHOP THE SHARKS 2026 INDIGENOUS JERSEY
One of the main themes of the jersey is the mangroves; inspired by local elder Aunty Barb Simms, who met with Sharks players Jada Taylor and Quincy Dodd and shared stories about the mangroves in the region. The two NRLW champions then passed those stories on to Miss Ardler, and inspiration struck.
“Aunty Barb told stories about life among the mangroves and getting to carve boomerangs out of them, and that really clicked with me,” Ardler shared.
“I found a connection to my own family. My grandfather was a wood burner; he did a lot of boomerangs.
“Mangroves are found everywhere in Cronulla. They hold a lot of history, knowledge, and stories that need to be told.
“The jersey design is an acknowledgement of the local community, the land and its peoples, and the footprints of those who have walked before us.”
Key elements of the jersey and what they represent:
- Mangroves - Mangrove branches, well-known and found in the local area. Used for making traditional boomerangs, shields & spears. Patterns inspired by mangrove branches to give the look & feel of the jersey.
- Boomerangs - Bent and crafted from the local mangrove trees. Used as weapons, tools and in ceremonies. They symbolise resilience, survival and a deep connection to the land.
- Gweagal Spears - Represent the strength, knowledge and pride of the community; the spears were taken by the British in 1770 and only returned to the La Perouse Aboriginal Community in 2024. They were used for catching fish in the shallow waters of Kamay (Botany Bay).
- Sharks/Fish - The sharks and fish swimming throughout the jersey represent the Cronulla Sharks NRL and NRLW squad. Showing movement and travel as the team come from all over to come together to this great club.
- Shark teeth - Represent ancestors, coaching staff and the players' families. Shaped as a stadium on the jersey. They symbolise protection & guidance.
- Shark fins - Represent the fans that show up and support the team each week. They symbolise the incredible strength, loyalty and determination of fans.
- Seagrass - In recognition of the current restoration of endangered seagrass meadows in Gamay (Botany Bay). It symbolises the care for Country.
- Sun & shells - The shells also reflect the shape of the sun, symbolising growth. Connecting with stories of shell collection and shell art by the local Aboriginal community over time and still today.
- Travel/ocean - Representing the Saltwater peoples, and the footprints of those who have walked before us. Also reflecting Coastal Sydney. Water movement and local sand hills/environments. Waves to acknowledge the local communities being from water Country.
The Sharks’ NRL and NRLW teams will wear the jersey in rounds 23 and 24 of the two-week Indigenous Round next month. A round that celebrates the strength, survival and culture of First Nations people and their immeasurable impact on rugby league.
“This round means a lot to me because Indigenous players get to share their stories with other players in the team,” Ardler said.
“I think my favourite part is seeing other players as well as our own come together during this round.
“It’s really nice to see that people from different backgrounds want to learn and be a part of the experience.
“To see them run out and wear it with pride really means a lot to myself, my community and everyone that’s represented in this jumper.”
Cronulla's men will wear the Indigenous jersey against the Dragons at Kogarah on August 9, and then against the Raiders at Ocean Protect Stadium on August 15.
While the women’s team will wear it against the Titans at Ocean Protect Stadium on August 8, and then against the Cowboys in Townsville on August 16.
The 2026 Indigenous jersey is now available in Men’s, Women’s, Youth and Infant sizing.
CLICK HERE to order online or visit the Sharks Store at Bay Central Woolooware.
In the artist’s words: Jordan Ardler
The jersey design is an acknowledgement of the local community, the land and its peoples, and the footprints of those who have walked before us. The Gweagal people, a clan of the Dharawal Nation and traditional custodians of the southern Sydney area (including Woolooware and Kurnell), have long utilised the mangroves of 'Kamay' (Botany Bay) to collect materials for tools. A lot of the work was inspired by the ocean, the mangroves and being saltwater people, and my grandfather and what he used to do with his boomerangs.
Mangroves are found everywhere in Cronulla. They hold a lot of history, knowledge, and stories that need to be told. Mangrove timber, specifically from the Grey Mangrove (Avicennia marina), is highly valued for making items such as boomerangs, shields, and spears. For thousands of years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have managed these coastal environments, using the resources sustainably. The process of collecting and shaping this wood is a direct link to Country and cultural heritage, a practice that continues today. In addition to timber, the area is known for the collection of shells, bark, and other materials used to make tools, such as the famous Gweagal spears.
The Gweagal spears were taken in 1770 without the consent of the Gweagal people by members of the HMB Endeavour crew, commanded by Lieutenant James Cook, and taken to England. A moment that marked the first point of contact between the British and Indigenous Australians. The spears were only returned in 2024 thanks to the hard work of the Gweagal people, the broader Dharawal Nation and leading community organisations. I wanted to show them on the jersey so people could research its incredible history. A history that shows the strength and resilience of the Indigenous people of this land.
THE SHARKS CURRENT INDIGENOUS PLAYERS
Braydon Trindall - Kamilaroi and Muruwari
Caitlan Johnston-Green - Awabakal and Kamilaroi
Hohepa Puru - Mununjali and Githabal
Jada Taylor - Kamilaroi
Jesse Ramien - Wiradjuri
Nicho Hynes - Wiradjuri & Darkinjung
Niwhai Puru - Mununjali and Githabal
Quincy Dodd - Buruberongal
Rhiannon Byers - Wiradjuri
Will Kennedy - Kamilaroi
The Sharks are proud to have many Indigenous role models at the club and are grateful for those who have come before them, and excited for those emerging.
