A deadly Indigenous training Shirt, designed by two students from the NRL’s School to Work Program will be proudly worn by the Sydney Roosters as they prepare for this week’s Indigenous Round clash with the St George Illawarra Dragons.
The Roosters are also pleased to recognise the four students who will be representing the Club at this week’s NRL Indigenous Youth Summit, a program designed to give young Indigenous leaders an opportunity to become more informed about their career aspirations while connecting them to culture.
Sydney Roosters School to Work Project Officer Bradley Nelson said the program has played a fundamental role in supporting Indigenous students in their final years of schooling over the past 11 years.
“My role focuses on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Year 11 and 12. I work to help them achieve their goals and connect them with opportunities after they’ve finished school, so they hit the ground running and have extra support,” he said.
“I work mainly in the schools, so I’ll go into each of my schools once a fortnight and run face-to-face mentoring sessions, whether that be one-on-one or group sessions, we do practical skill building, work on resumes and interview skills.
“We also like to bring in some cultural connection as well, by getting in Elders from the community.”
The Roosters 2023 Indigenous Training Shirt was inspired by artworks from Evie Smith and Ellie-Rose Trindall-Welsh surrounding Connor Watson’s connection to culture and youth mental health through the Cultural Choice Association.
“It’s been an unreal experience for Evie and Ellie, just getting the opportunity to create the shirt design and come here and present it to the players is something they’ll definitely remember,” Nelson said.
“To have it worn by the entire team on such a large scale is really special and it’ll encourage them to continue to connect and engage with their culture through art.”
In her words, Smith’s design, displayed on the sleeve of the shirt portrays the “inviting and inclusive culture” within the Roosters, highlighted by campfires and meeting places.
“My artwork highlights how the Roosters support the local community and provide vast opportunity for everyone,” she said.
“The meeting places and campfires in my design truly show how the Roosters bring the community together inclusively, whether that is through school programs, camps, junior clubs and much more.
“Through first-hand experience, with my brother playing for the Roosters at a junior level, they have provided so many opportunities for him as a young First Nations boy and I have showcased this part of the Roosters culture through the journey of the water symbol at the bottom of the painting.
“My painting also includes Connor Watson’s totem, the sand goanna, which I have represented in the iconic Red, White and Blue.”
Trindall-Welsh’s design features on the bottom of the training shirt, demonstrating the Roosters’ connection to culture through “pathways”.
“I wanted to create an eye-catching design that represents players and their journey through the Central Coast and Bondi areas,” she said.
“The symbol in the centre of the shield represents Connor Watson’s cousin Parker who tragically took his own life.
“The shield and the spears reflect Connor’s strong commitment to Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
“While the whales represent great strength and the dedication of Roosters teammates working together, to better improve health outcomes in the community.”
On Thursday May 11, the Roosters School to Work program students enjoyed a tour of the Centre of Excellence and watched the Squad train.
Roosters Vice Captain Luke Keary presented Aurora Townsend, Shakyla Sullivan, Joshua O’Farrell and Brayden Skuthorp with Club polo shirts and wished them well for the upcoming Indigenous Youth Summit.
The four representatives will be among 68 students representing all 17 NRL clubs participating in the leadership and cultural camp at Sydney Olympic Park.
The Roosters wish to congratulate the Club’s representatives and wish them all the best for this week’s annual Youth Summit.