Rabbitohs, Roosters, Tigers and Venues NSW Launch Gadhu Gathering in August
The South Sydney Rabbitohs, Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers, in conjunction with Venues NSW, are delighted to announce the first Gadhu Gathering to be held at Allianz Stadium in Sydney throughout August.
To be held during the second week of the NRL’s Indigenous Rounds, the Gadhu Gathering will see six Sydney-based clubs come together on Gadigal/Bidjigal land in a special three-day festival celebrating Rugby League and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture.
The Gadhu Gathering will feature three blockbuster matches across three consecutive days at Allianz Stadium:
- Friday 15 August - Sydney Roosters vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- Saturday 16 August – South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Parramatta Eels
- Sunday 17 August – Wests Tigers vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
In addition to the on-field action, the Gadhu Gathering will put a spotlight on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander traditions, ceremonies, entertainment and culture.
The clubs and Venues NSW have worked closely with the Gujaga Foundation around the naming and symbolism for the event. ‘Gadhu’ refers to a large body of water in Dharawal language and symbolises the gathering or coming together of communities to celebrate a shared passion for Rugby League and culture.
As part of the celebrations, the clubs have collaborated with renowned local Indigenous artist, Shane Youngberry to create striking visual depictions that represent to the spirit of the Gadhu Gathering. Shane, a member of the Gweagal Clan of the Dharawal Nation and the Dunghutti Nation, has drawn on his cultural knowledge and storytelling to design an artwork that reflects the connection between saltwater, community, and Rugby League.
All clubs will wear a specially designed jersey during their respective matches, telling their own stories about who they represent and the significance of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to their clubs.
The Rabbitohs jersey for 2025 has been designed by proud Wahlabul man, Uncle Joe Walker, and his daughter, proud Wahlabul and Dunghutti woman, Destinee Walker, and represents smoke and fire. Smoke represents cleansing and starting fresh, whilst fire represents the strength of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people that is passed down through the generations.
The jersey also features the totems of the 11 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander players in the Rabbitohs full-time squad including:
| Player | Tribe | Totem |
|---|---|---|
| Cody Walker | Bundjalung/Yuin | Black Duck |
| Latrell Mitchell | Biripi/Wiradjuri/Gumbaynggirr | Kangaroo |
| Alex Johnston | Koedal Klan Saibai | Crocodile |
| Jack Wighton | Wiradjuri | Goanna |
| Isaiah Tass | Yuwibara | Black Tail Kangaroo |
| Shaquai Mitchell | Biripi/Wiradjuri/Gumbaynggirr | Shark |
| Tyrone Munro | Gomeroi | Goanna |
| Tallis Duncan | Wonnarua | Wedge Tail Eagle |
| Jayden Sullivan | Yuin | Black Duck |
| Gerome Burns | Barunggam/Wiradjuri | Emu |
| Fletcher Myers | Worimi/Awabakal | Dolphin |
South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO, Blake Solly, said the event is a significant milestone in recognising and celebrating Indigenous heritage within the sport.
“Rugby League has long been a unifying force within Indigenous communities, and the Gadhu Gathering is a chance to honour that connection while bringing Members and supporters together to celebrate culture and sport,” Mr Solly said.
South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO, Blake Solly“The work our Club, and that of Souths Cares, in Indigenous communities is second-to-none and we look forward to celebrating everything that connects our Club, our community organisation and our sport with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to the Rabbitohs family. We are proud to stand alongside our fellow clubs and Venues NSW in making this event a reality.”
The Hon. David Harris, NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, said: “Inclusion and Aboriginal peoples are at the heart of rugby league.
“Gadhu Gathering will be a wonderful event at Allianz Stadium later this year as part of the NRL Indigenous Round
“To have six Sydney-based NRL clubs uniquely come together to create a three-day event that showcases the incredible talent and cultural pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is wonderful leadership.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting these initiatives, ensuring sport continues to be a powerful platform for inclusion, and showcasing the incredible talent and cultural pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW.”
The Hon. Steve Kamper, NSW Minister for Sport, said: “Sport has a powerful ability to bring communities together and Gadhu Gathering is a wonderful demonstration of that.
“This will be a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and rugby league not seen before.”
Kerrie Mather, Venues NSW CEO, said: “Gadhu Gathering is a fantastic initiative and collaboration between the Roosters, Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers.
“This event would not be possible without the three home teams working together to deliver what promises to be a special celebration of rugby league and Indigenous culture.”
Tickets for the Gadhu Gathering, including a three-day pass, go on sale to Club Members via Ticketek from 2:30pm on Monday 17 March, with tickets going on sale to the general public from 4pm the same day. Rabbitohs Ticketed Members will be contacted by the Club regarding access to the Gadhu Gathering. Rabbitohs Non-ticketed Members and supporters are encouraged to secure their tickets early to be part of this historic celebration of culture and community.
