THE BULLDOGS kicked off the NRL’s Indigenous Round with a cultural celebration at Belmore Sports Ground on Monday ahead of their Thursday night clash with St George Illawarra Dragons at Accor Stadium.
Gathering at their spiritual home ground on Darug and Eora nations’ lands, Bulldogs players, staff and guests gathered for a Welcome to Country by local Indigenous Elder Uncle John before revealing their full Indigenous playing apparel range.
Bundjalung artist Pam Brandy-Hall stood with Wiradjuri and Gunnggandji man Josh Addo-Carr who donned the striking Indigenous jersey, as she spoke about the meaning behind her designs.
Beyond running out in the specially designed jerseys on Thursday night, several players will also lace up in hand-painted boots.
Bidjigal man Blake Taaffe, Dharug man Josh Curran and non-Indigenous players Reed Mahoney, Liam Knight, Jacob Preston, Viliame Kikau, Jacob Preston, Matt Burton and Stephen Crichton were presented with boots painted by Indigenous students who took part in this years’ Boots For Brighter Futures Program.
Designed specifically for players to wear in the Indigenous Round, the boots are then auctioned with proceeds going to Cultural Choice Association Incorporation, supporting youth suicide prevention.
A packed schedule of activities and entertainment will be on offer before Bulldogs alumni Willie Tonga leads the Bulldogs out of the tunnel on Thursday, carrying a special token to present to the opposition in the traditional gift exchange.
The evening will be a thrilling triple header with Accor Stadium also hosting the Clontarf State of Origin at 3.45pm, NSW Cup at 5.30pm and the main event at 7.50pm.
This game follows the Bulldogs’ 24-20 loss against the Raiders in a gritty opening game of Magic Round last Friday night.
