The colourful boots Corey Thompson will wear for Indigenous Round will kick vital goals off the field for some of the nation's most vulnerable young people.
Thompson will wear the boots in Gold Coast's clash with the Roosters at the SCG on Saturday as part of the "Boots for Brighter Futures" campaign run by the Cultural Choice Association.
His boots will be auctioned off to raise funds for the charity and raise awareness and get conversations started around Indigenous youth suicide.
The charity is the brainchild of Mark and Jodie Watson, the parents of Newcastle Knights utility Connor Watson who has been the major driver behind the campaign following a family tragedy.
Players from the Knights, Titans and Wests Tigers will wear boots designed and painted by Indigenous youth and in the case of the Warriors, by Maori children in New Zealand.
An Australian Bureau of Statistics "Causes of Death" report in 2018 found Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged between 15 and 24 were almost four times more likely to commit suicide than non-Indigenous people the same age.
"Over the five years from 2014 to 2018, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children accounted for close to a quarter of all child suicide deaths [85 of 357 deaths]," the report said.
Thompson is a proud Yuggera man and one of three Titans to have boots painted for the cause including Brian Kelly and Mitch Rein.
Thompson's boots were painted by an Indigenous girl from Dubbo who was attending DHUB [Dubbo Opportunity HUB] as part of a holiday program. She did the artwork in conjunction with an Indigenous youth mentor.
"It is a proud opportunity. Indigenous Round on the calendar is one I always circle and it is great to send the boots to the communities where the kids get to paint them and see them on TV when we run out," Thompson told NRL.com
"I will be proud to wear them on Saturday arvo and I thank the people who painted them. It will be great to auction them off after the game to such an awesome charity.
"The [Indigenous youth suicide] rates are so high. You read those numbers and you would think they are made up, but they are real so to bring some awareness to it is important."
The design of Thompson's boots carries special significance and tells his unique story to perfection.
According the artist's design notes, the colourful goanna on the front of the boots represents "staying grounded, as the goanna is a strong representation of strength and resilience in many of our Aboriginal nations in Australia".
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Warriors spirits boosted by cultural footy boots
The symbolism resonated strongly with Thompson.
"It has not been an easy journey for me. Growing up I didn’t make any rep sides," he said.
"I had a great time at the Bulldogs but when I had to go to England it wasn’t the best option I wanted to take but it was one that was best for my career.
"Then going to the Tigers I had to work hard from the get-go. Nothing was given. Nothing was easy. That is how I love to play and train, to work hard for everything."
The design traces Thompson’s career where the black and white patterns on the back representing the colours of the Souths-Logan Magpies where he played his junior football.
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
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North Queensland's Indigenous Round jersey. The ‘Chosen One’ jersey design is the winner of the Cowboys annual Indigenous Jersey Design Competition, designed by artist William Chambers.
In the Torres Strait and North Queensland Indigenous communities, the Sea Turtle is considered a delicacy. This painting represents the turtle’s journey from hatchling to fully grown adult. The smaller turtles are hatchlings on their journey from the shore to the open sea. The circles represent all obstacles and predators; not all become fully grown. The hunters with spears look for the chosen one which will become food. The fully grown turtle is also the chosen one as it gets its chance to reproduce and continue the cycle of life.
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
2/18
David Nofoaluma in the Wests Tigers' 2020 Indigenous Round jersey, named ‘Guwing & Yunada’ (meaning Sun & Moon in Dharawal language).
Location on jersey: Front & Back
Created: 6th September 2019
Meaning:
This artwork exhibits emu and kangaroo living amongst each other, while the sun and moon are on the verge of switching positions at dusk.
Artwork name: ‘River Flow’
Location on jersey: Sleeves
Created: 5th August 2019
Meaning:
This artwork symbolises life. Much like a river flow we are moving forward in our lives, and with moving forward we are all directed onto certain pathways. The blue water represents people flowing down the river in a forward motion whilst the brown, red and white represent guides putting people into the right direction
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
3/18
Cronulla's Indigenous Round jersey, designed by Alara Geebung (Cameron).
Entitled “Coming Together”, the Sharks 2020 Indigenous Jersey has been designed with the intricate artwork a direct reconnection to the ways of “our old people”, it’s an illustration which also represents a oneness with mother nature and equanimity of mind.
The night sky spirit animals represent and pay tribute to the players totems and the oneness between spirt and sky to land and sea. Through dreamtime stories, the nation’s first peoples, and widely respected by the wider community, as a symbol of Australia, the Southern Cross features as a connection between both cultures.
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
4/18
Blake Ferguson in the Eels' 2020 Indigenous Round jersey. The Eels will play the Bulldogs wearing specially designed jerseys by Aboriginal artist Danielle Mate Sullivan, with input from Eels player Will Smith.
The artwork is called ‘Connection’ and represents the connection to the past and present.
The large circle on the front of the jersey represents the meeting place for the players/warriors of the game, while the line to the top is a journey line to the players’ homelands.
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
5/18
There’s four hands on the back that represent Eels indigenous players Blake Ferguson and Will Smith’s children. The smaller circles are a nod to communities the Eels visit and work with.
The past is represented by the warrior and the Parramatta River. The Burramattagal people, who are a clan of the Darug, have a connection to this river where they first settled and caught fish, eels and other sources of food
Colours from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags feature on the sides of the jersey.
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
6/18
Scott Prince models the Broncos' 2020 Indigenous Round jersey designed by Elaine Chambers-Hegarty. The centre of the jersey is the meeting ground where people from north, south, east and west gather to unite their communities under the watch of their ancestors.
Circles throughout the jersey represent communities in which the Broncos and Deadly Choices operate. Some are connected, and others are more remote. Wavy lines to the community areas show the rivers and waterways currently suffering through drought. Markings around show sections representing the people of the Torres Strait Islands.
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
7/18
Angus Crichton in the Roosters' 2020 Indigenous Round jersey. The Sydney Roosters ‘Club’ is depicted as the main circle in the top left-hand corner. There are journey lines branching out from the circle which represents the many community programs and events the Roosters are involved in. The outline of the Rooster logo is overlapping the circle and shows the strength and support of all areas of the Club. The Sydney Roosters logo is outlined in dot work to represent the ongoing Indigenous heritage of the players, staff and members of the Club.
Below are the totems of the Indigenous players of the Sydney Roosters, including players from the Junior Squads to the NRL. The totems contain symbols that represent land, sea and sky. The footprints and surrounding area indicate the act of dancing and kicking up dust, which signifies the moving in the womb of Mother Earth. This act relates to the Roosters when they take to the field during Indigenous Round in 2020.
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
8/18
Gold Coast's Indigenous Round jersey.
Connection with community, passion, support and togetherness are the key messages from the inspiring artwork “Healing” from Coffs Harbour artist Laura Pitt, that has been chosen as the design for the Gold Coast Titans 2020 Indigenous jersey. The blue circles in the middle with the symbols on the outside represent the Titans community, passion is represented through the coloured dots surrounding the players and supporters with links of the blue and ochre lines that merge together as one.
The handprints and blue and white waterholes surrounding the area represent connection to the land. The blue and yellow healing leaves represent the resilience of the team that play together and heal together.
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
9/18
South Sydney's Indigenous Round jersey. For the 2020 NRL Indigenous Round, the Rabbitohs will be wearing culture on their sleeves, representing the proud legacy of the indigenous players who have worn the Jersey before them. In collaboration with our Indigenous players and artist Uncle Joe Walker, the Jersey design connects all the different communities, players and their stories to the Black Rabbit.
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
10/18
Adam Elliott models Canterbury's Indigenous Round jersey, designed by local Indigenous students from Bethlehem College, Ashfield.
The design of this year’s Jersey features traditional artwork by the Students, symbolising the coming together of our community for Indigenous Round.
Indigenous and Non-Indigenous players, Members of our community and the designers themselves are represented as Suns on the Jersey arranged around a meeting place – in this instance, our match against the Eels.
Also included on the Jersey are totem animals of the local area and the Cooks River, which has long enabled many tribes to come together.
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
11/18
Manly's Indigenous Round jersey. The large blue circular design feature positioned in the bottom right corner of the jersey represents the Manly district and Brookvale, with its tentacles and tributaries reaching far beyond, embracing fans across the country.
At the centre of the circle is a map of the Manly/Warringah/Pittwater districts. There are also seventeen lines, one for each of the warriors selected to represent the 2020 Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in the NRL each week.
The carefully dotted lines also represent the journeys undertaken by Indigenous players, past and present, who have proudly represented the Manly club and their Peoples. At the end of each journey, the players communities and grass roots footy are depicted. It is, in essence, the starting point from where the Rugby League adventure begins for all First Nations players.
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
12/18
The Dragons' 2020 Indigenous Round jersey. The front of jersey design, entitled Dragons Community by Watson, showcases spiritual guides, the humpback and footprints of the kangaroo within the hunting boomerang and pays respect to the Dragons' playing group, their families, staff and supporters including the Dharawal-speaking people.
The smaller community groups and pathways in grey represent the different backgrounds and journeys travelled by all players and supporters, showing that in the end they are all tied together by the strength of the Dragon’s jersey.
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
13/18
The lower back of jersey design, entitled Dharawal Country – Spirit of the Dragons by Binge, demonstrates a representation of two meeting places – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium and WIN Stadium – while the U-shaped symbols embody the traditional Bidjigal and Wadi Wadi custodians where the stadiums stands.
The little people are a depiction of the youth while the two spirit figures watch over and guide them through life. Hands are a representation of the traditional custodians of the land while the circle symbolises community; the whale is the totemic animal of the Dharawal people, and the goanna represents the people of the mainland. These three symbols represent health, education and social issues.
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
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Canberra's Indigenous Round jersey. Artist Lynnice Church, an Aboriginal woman from the Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi Tribes who previously held a position on the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, is credited with the jersey design which carries artwork associated with the region’s Reconciliation Public Holiday, which occurred on Monday 1 June 2020.
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
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Penrith's Indigenous Round jersey, designed by Natasha Fordham.
The front of the jersey features the meeting place of Panthers Stadium on Darug land, flanked by the Nepean River, local wildlife and the Blue Mountains
The setting sun creates an eye-catching silhouette to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land the Panthers community calls home today
Designed by Natasha Fordham in collaboration with Panthers Indigenous Welfare Officer Glen Liddiard and Panthers players Brent Naden, Daine Laurie and Brayden McGrady
Totems recognising the club's Indigenous players in the NRL squad including Brent Naden (Wiradjuri - goanna), Brayden McGrady (Kamilaroi - snake) and Daine Laurie (Bundjalung / Yaegl - turtle)
Fans will be able to bid for match-worn jerseys signed by the individual player directly after the game via shop.penrithpanthers.com.au
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
16/18
Melbourne's Indigenous Round jersey, designed by Ky-ya Nicholson Ward, a 17-year-old Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung, and Ngurai illum Wurrung woman.
The jersey is called ‘Jindi Worobak’ which means ‘Join and Unite’ in Woiwurrung which is the language of my people, the Wurundjeri people, the traditional custodians of Narrm (Melbourne). This is my way as an artist to acknowledge the players, the workers, volunteers and fans that all join and unite to create the amazing Melbourne Storm community and environment. The centre circle on the jersey represents AAMI Park, and the white circles represent the staff, fans and crowd who come united as one to support the players. It represents how when we all come together as one, we are stronger. The joint circles flowing through the middle section of the jersey represent the Birrarung (Yarra River) which is a very significant and spiritual river to my people. ‘Birrarung’ means ‘river of mists’ in Woiwurrung, this is because the mist dances along the river at dawn which is linked to my people’s dreamtime/creation stories.
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
17/18
The Warriors' Indigenous Round jersey, designed by Dave Burke. Tāua Tahi is the Māori way of saying “That’s Us” - Indigenous populations share many cultural similarities around how we relate to our environments particularly land, water people and language.
Tāua tahi the 2020 indigenous jersey acknowledges these similarities and shared realities on field and off field. It represents the players coming together and below is the next generation who are inspired by the coming together of our indigenous people and the change that can be created by understanding and respecting each other.
Indigenous Round jerseys explained
18/18
The Newcastle jersey was designed by local Aboriginal artist Tyler Smith with feedback from Knights players Connor Watson, Edrick Lee and Gehamat Shibasaki. In creating a deeper bond to the region and its people, Smith enlisted the assistance of four young Indigenous detainees through his art program at Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre. The design of the jersey represents the local landscape of Newcastle, the wider region and also incorporates the handprints of the three players. Central to the design is the implementation of three totems representing the three players - Goanna (Watson), Turtle (Shibasaki) and Saltwater Crocodile (Lee).
The colours of the three NRL clubs he has represented – the Bulldogs, Wests Tigers and Titans - are also showcased.
"It makes you realise the time and effort that went into researching my story," Thompson said.
"When I sent the boots off I didn’t tell them about my journey so it is good to see the thought that went into it.
Watson’s ‘Boots for Brighter Futures’ charity an outlet for Indigenous youth
Watson’s ‘Boots for Brighter Futures’ charity an outlet for Indigenous youth
"I am Yuggera, so my nation is in Ipswich where my granddad, relatives and Dad’s side are. I haven’t met all my cousins but I am sure they are all proud and watching and supporting me."
The explanatory notes also state "the red, black and yellow at the back of the boot represents that our culture will always be our Achilles heel in all that we do pushing us forward".
Thompson said that philosophy of "looking forward" was a big personal driver.
"If you have a 'glass half full' attitude and see the positive side of a setback then you realise there is always a reason if you don’t make it.
"I always think about the things I can control and if I work hard it usually puts me in the right direction."
The painting of the boots has been in the works since October when Connor Watson organised sending them out to Indigenous communities.
Jodie and Mark Watson, who used to work in Indigenous education in high schools, started the not-for-profit Cultural Choice Association in 2018.
Jodie said many years ago the couple had a desire to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students’ opportunities and educational outcomes, which ignited their initial desire to start up the charity.
"Our eldest son Connor got the opportunity to go to Knox Grammar on an Indigenous scholarship to finish Year 11 and 12, through sport, and the opportunity that brought him was amazing," she told NRL.com.
"It was something we could never have afforded and our second son got the opportunity to do the same thing so we thought at the point it would be good one day to start our own not-for-profit around educational opportunity.
"Boarding school is not for everybody but a good education is."
The duo launched their own Indigenous product range where Mark did the artwork and donated the proceeds to the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation.
Their plans to launch their charity took a different direction when they lost a nephew to suicide and subsequently narrowed the focus of the Cultural Choice Association to assist in the prevention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth suicide.
It was also a motivation for Connor Watson to get involved.
When Connor was at the Roosters he got his father to paint his boots for Indigenous Round.
"Connor was at the Knights we'd had the Cultural Choice Association approved so he thought it would be a good opportunity to do a collaborative thing with the whole team for Indigenous Round,” Jodie said.
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Indigenous stars raise their voice
"Connor spent time at the Kirinari Aboriginal Hostel in Newcastle which hosts students from regional NSW who go through their high school years until Year 12 to further their education.
"We had a relationship with the Glen Centre for alcohol and drug rehabilitation on the Central Coast and doing some work with Baxter Detention Centre and between those three organisations we had more than 20 pairs of boots painted.
"We auctioned them off after the game and 50% of the proceeds went to the Association and the other 50% went to the artist themselves or the school programs in the detention centre or things like that."
A Bundjalung man from Lismore did the artwork for Brian Kelly’s boots while a Biripi/Kamilaroi man designed the boots of Mitch Rein's.
Former Titan and now Burleigh Bears forward Jack Stockwell’s boots were painted by an Inverell-born 16-year-old Githabul man.
"When we first started doing this with the boots we didn’t realise the connection the kids would have with painting their stories on the boots," Jodie said.
"They have a real connection to it and it has given them an opportunity to talk about the issues they face. It has been amazing."
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Gagai: We have a long way to go
Thompson paid tribute to Watson and his family for co-ordinating such a proud moment on Saturday.
"I have met Connor and you know straight away he is such a giving person and a kind, genuine bloke," Thompson said.
"He didn’t have to do what he did but he has done it to gain awareness and make a difference. I am happy to help the charity out any way I can."
Watch the games throughout Indigenous Round to see which players boots you think are the deadliest. You can also head to this link for more information about the charity or to show your support on the GoFundMe page.
Help is available 24/7 for anyone who has mental health issues by calling Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14
For further information on the NRL State of Mind program, click here
National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
