Penrith Panthers rising star Tyrone Peachey today unveiled the first-ever Indigenous KARI City Origin jersey, marking the 100-day countdown to this year’s Holden State of Origin series.
The strip, featuring front-of-jersey sponsor KARI, acknowledges and honours the sacred sites and unique history of ancient Gamilaroi Country and pays respect to the families and communities who live and meet in these places.
Peachey, who played in the annual AAMI Country v City clash last year, is excited by the prospect of running out in the unique strip and says he is thrilled the jersey recognises Australia’s indigenous community.
“The jersey is a great design and I’m hopeful of being picked in the City Origin side again. It would be an honour to run out in such a special playing strip,” Peachey said.
The annual Country v City Origin fixture, to be played at Tamworth’s Scully Park on 8 May, acts as a State of Origin rehearsal, and for NSW VB Blues coach Laurie Daley, this year is no different.
“It is an important fixture because it helps to identify those players ready to take that step into the Origin arena,” Daley said.
"It is about recognising players who excel under pressure and hopefully there will be a number of new faces putting their best foot forward.”
KARI Chairman Gary Potts said the partnership was a special one for KARI and the Aboriginal community across the state.
“It’s a significant partnership that we have with New South Wales Rugby League and it’s a privilege to be a major sponsor for the City Origin team for the second year,” Potts said.
“It certainly means a lot not only to KARI itself but to the Aboriginal community right across New South Wales. It just signifies the genuine lead by the New South Wales Rugby League about the Aboriginal communities right across New South Wales, so we’re very proud to be associated with the Country-City match this year.”
