True Blues Latrell Mitchell, Josh Addo-Carr and Jack Wighton have given the seal of approval to the Westpac NSW Blues’ first Indigenous-themed PUMA training jersey released today ahead of the 2023 Ampol State of Origin Series.
The trio were consulted about the jersey which features the artwork 'Home Country', created specifically for NSWRL by Indigenous artist Daren Dunn. The Blues will wear the jersey for a training session in each of the three games for this year’s State of Origin series.
“I’m a proud Wiradjuri and Gunggandji man and it is important to see the Indigenous community being acknowledged with this PUMA training jersey,” Addo-Carr said.
“I am proud of where I come from and I always want to set a positive example so the kids know that anything is possible if you work hard and stay focussed, including playing Rugby League at the elite level.”
Dunn’s “Home Country” artwork, commissioned by the NSWRL, celebrates the peoples, languages, innovations, cultures and diversity of Koori nations and their connections to country.
At the centre of the painting is an important meeting place, the NSWRL. It is a space full of pathways where tribes and communities draw together from the north, south, east and west.
This painting is alive with culture, people, connections and activities. Elders and members of community are meeting with NSWRL striking up conversations and building connections like campfires. Footballs, clap sticks, boomerang, and coolamon appear across the landscape.
NSWRL Chief Commercial Officer Jodie Cross said: “We are so proud of our first Indigenous-themed State of Origin training jersey which acknowledges the wonderful contribution the Indigenous community have made and continue to make to our game.
“We are also grateful to PUMA for their collaboration with our players, Josh, Jack and Latrell, and artist Daren Dunn, to produce a really special jersey that celebrates the Indigenous community in our state.”
Click here to purchase the NSW Indigenous jersey.
