The 2022 Indigenous Round aligns with this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme of “Be Brave, Make Change”.
Throughout the week (26-29 May) at each match venue, there will be a Welcome to Country, performances, and celebrations of Indigenous Australia, whilst at the same time, all 16 NRL clubs will wear jerseys that are inspired by Indigenous storytelling and art.
Actions for change
This year, the Indigenous Round will focus on encouraging the NRL community to take part in three key actions to be a part of the change.
The aim is for the NRL community and fans to keep the conversation going about Indigenous Australia, and to gain a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures and their histories.
During Round 12, the NRL is challenging fans to take initiative to be a part of the change by taking three steps with them; to learn the land, learn the history and support a business.
Fans are being encouraged to search and locate whose Country they live on and find the Traditional Custodians of their local residential area. The game has partnered with AIATSIS to share the map of Indigenous Australia in order to assist fans in their search.
The second step is learning about dates that are of historical significance to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community which include National Sorry Day, the 1967 Referendum and The Mabo Decision.
The final step fans can partake in is supporting a local Indigenous business and to learn about the work they are doing in the community.
Australian Rugby League Commissioner Professor Megan Davis said the NRL has an important role in showcasing First Nations culture to its fan base.
“As a game, we bring communities and cultures together. We are breaking down barriers and we are leading the debate for equality” said Professor Davis.
This year, the NRL has partnered with Door Dash which will be donating $50,000 dollars to the sport’s School to Work Program.
Each match venue will host a Welcome to Country. Supplied: NRL
The program assists young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with work experience, mentoring, and leadership opportunities to support them in completing high school.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo commented on the significance of the round and said, “Indigenous representation in Rugby League continues to be strong, but we need to create even more pathways and leadership opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities."
"Passionate and talented Indigenous athletes have helped shape the game for decades, we owe it to them to keep building our programs and pathways so that even more young Indigenous Australians can realise their dreams in the NRL and NRLW.”
The first Indigenous Round match will be the Storms against the Sea Eagles on Thursday night, on the Country of the Wurundjeri People.
Indigenous Round match fixtures:
Thursday, May 26, 7.50pm: Storm v Sea Eagles
AAMI Park, home of the Wurundjeri people
Friday, May 27, 6.00pm: Panthers v Cowboys
BlueBet Stadium, home of the Dharug people
Friday, May 27, 7.55pm: Broncos v Titans
Suncorp Stadium, home of the Yuggera & Turrbal people
Saturday, May 28, 3.00pm: Warriors v Knights
Moreton Daily Stadium, home of the Yuggera, Jinibara & Kabi Kabi people
Saturday, May 28, 5.30pm: Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers
Accor Stadium, home of the Gadigal & Wann-gal people
Saturday, May 28, 7.35pm: Sharks v Roosters
PointsBet Stadium, home of the Dharawal people
Sunday, May 29, 2.00pm: Bulldogs v Dragons
Belmore Sports Ground, home of the Dharug people
Sunday, May 29, 4.05pm: Raiders v Eels
GIO Stadium, home of the Ngunnawal people
