Kurtley Beale and Cody Walker – the NSW Waratahs two Indigenous players – were on hand to launch the jersey in a what proved a special moment for both players.
Beale, who grew up in an Aboriginal community in the Mount Druitt area said he was proud to have his culture recognised in such a way.
“I’ve always had a passion to be able to push forward my culture and raise awareness at such a platform,” Beale said.
“For New South Wales rugby and the Waratahs to be able to recognise and acknowledge our culture is extremely powerful and hopefully we can continue this.”
Beale also acknowledged the work of the commissioned designer, Dylan Barnes a young artist recommended to NSW Rugby by the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME).
“There’s fifteen of these small circles that resemble the players on the field and the lines in between, linking them all together as one to tie in with Reconciliation Week which is a big part of our history.
“It’s another great opportunity to do that on the weekend, bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous players to celebrate a special week and take us in the direction we all want to go.”
Walker hails from Yamba, with his people – the Bundjalung tribe – the original custodians of the northern coastal area of New South Wales.
A Bucaneers junior, the prop played alongside Jed Holloway and the Douglas brothers in his early days on a journey that has seen him earn representative honours with the Waratahs and Australian U/20s before landing a senior contract.
“I’m very proud and honoured. The Indigenous culture is one of the oldest around, it’s hard to explain but your chest feels pretty big when you put this jersey on,” Walker said.
Walker praised the example set by Beale for the Indigenous community,
“Growing up he [Beale] has always been a big role model, and a lot of the Indigenous kids really look up to Kurtley. He’s got a lot of knowledge and is just a really good guy.”
The Indigenous playing strip will be on show for the Waratahs clash this Saturday at Bankwest Stadium, as they host the Jaguares at 7.40pm.
Each of the jerseys worn tonight will go up for auction from 25 May, with all proceeds going to AIME and the Richard Tombs Foundation.
