The sight of the Rabbitohs running onto ANZ Stadium wearing this year’s Indigenous jersey this Thursday, is one that Club try-scoring legend and proud Indigenous man, Nathan Merritt, can’t wait for.
Inspired by what the jersey represents, Merritt cited the importance of player input into the jersey’s design as an inspirational feature of this year’s Indigenous strip.
“I’m looking forward to watching the boys play in the jersey – it’s going to be a great game,” said Merritt.
“I can’t wait to see the boys represent the culture of their jersey.
“It’s something different. They’ve got their hand-prints on there, and along with their hand-prints they’ve got their tribe’s name in there – it’s great the boys can have a jumper that recognises their tribe and where they come from.”
A proud local product – and still a local to the Redfern area – Merritt pointed to the impact that the jersey will have on Indigenous kids coming through the Rugby League ranks as a source of inspiration and pride.
“It gives young Indigenous kids the inspiration to maybe one day play for the Rabbitohs,” said Merritt.
“To chase their dream and put the Indigenous jersey on one time through their careers.”
The Nikita Ridgeway-designed jersey will be worn as part of South Sydney’s own Indigenous Round celebrations in Round 11 against the Dragons.
Two important Australian organisations with a focus on Indigenous people and causes, KARI Aboriginal Resources and Recognise, also feature on the jersey thanks to Rabbitohs co-major partner Crown Resorts.
Stay tuned to Rabbitohs.com.au as we roll out interviews with our Indigenous Rabbitohs players, community leaders and a whole lot more in the coming week!
Click here for Match Day Information.
Purchase your tickets to the Club’s Indigenous Round celebration at ANZ Stadium by clicking here!
Purchase your very own Rabbitohs 2016 jersey, also AVAILABLE IN WOMENS, by clicking here!
Music courtesy of Glen & Matt Doyle.
