The National Rugby League (NRL) aims to remind the Rugby League community of the importance of education and is calling on fans to celebrate and connect with Indigenous culture as part of NRL Indigenous Round 2024.
Since 2015, the annual NRL Indigenous Round has elevated and celebrated First Nations history and culture through the game, providing a platform for the promotion of important First Nations issues.
Throughout Round 12 of the 2024 Telstra Premiership starting tonight, all NRL clubs will mark Indigenous Round by taking the field in eye-catching jersey designs inspired by local Indigenous art and storytelling. All venues across the round will use their traditional custodian land names, matches will be preceded by welcome ceremonies and Indigenous cultural performances, and teams will honour past Indigenous stars and showcase the next generation.
Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman, Peter V’landys AM, said: “The importance of NRL Indigenous Round on our annual calendar can’t be understated. First Nations culture is intertwined in the fabric of Rugby League at all levels and it is more important than ever for us to recognise and celebrate that connection and ensure that we continue to move forward together.
“Rugby League’s ability to reach into our Indigenous communities and inspire the next generation is truly special. Our game has been privileged to be graced by some of the finest Indigenous athletes this country has ever produced and again we look forward to celebrating the involvement of First Nations people at all levels of the game this weekend.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the NRL is strengthening its commitment to learning from and celebrating the success of First Nations people, who continue to make a significant contribution across all facets of the game.
“The NRL is committed to the continued promotion of inclusivity, education, and empowerment of First Nations people and creating a positive impact that goes beyond Rugby League,” Mr Abdo said.
“The theme for Indigenous Round 2024 is Moving Forward Together. Throughout the round we will be encouraging fans to explore and connect with our First Nations culture by providing educational resources on our website and promoting National Reconciliation Week activities happening across the country in the week following Indigenous Round.”
Up to date news and information on NRL Indigenous Round, including the latest education resources for fans, can be found at: NRL.com/Indigenous
NRL Indigenous Round 2024 Fixtures (Round 12)
Match: Bulldogs v Dragons
Round 12 -
home Team
Bulldogs
12th Position
away Team
Dragons
13th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Match: Cowboys v Wests Tigers
Round 12 -
home Team
Cowboys
8th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
16th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Match: Sea Eagles v Storm
Round 12 -
home Team
Sea Eagles
7th Position
away Team
Storm
3rd Position
Venue: 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Match: Raiders v Roosters
Round 12 -
home Team
Raiders
10th Position
away Team
Roosters
4th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Match: Sharks v Panthers
Round 12 -
home Team
Sharks
1st Position
away Team
Panthers
2nd Position
Venue: PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
Match: Rabbitohs v Eels
Round 12 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
17th Position
away Team
Eels
15th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Match: Broncos v Titans
Round 12 -
home Team
Broncos
6th Position
away Team
Titans
14th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match: Warriors v Dolphins
Round 12 -
home Team
Warriors
11th Position
away Team
Dolphins
5th Position
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
* Consultation to identify the traditional landowners (noted below) has taken place with Clubs, Venues, Players, Local Councils, Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Local Community groups. Where traditional custodians have been unclear, we have acknowledged the identified groups. The NRL believe that education on the complexities of traditional ownership is an important part of our past and encourage all Australians to continue these discussions.