NRL Indigenous Round 2026: Roosters Jersey Sparks Debate as Clubs Honour Culture

The NRL’s Indigenous Round spans Rounds 23 and 24 in August 2026, with all 16 clubs unveiling custom jerseys to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. The initiative honours the cultural contributions of Indigenous players, families and communities to rugby league. While most designs have been praised, the Sydney Roosters’ jersey has drawn mixed fan reactions, with some calling it unconventional. The round also features a School to Work program connecting Indigenous students with NRL players through custom boot designs.

All 16 clubs release Indigenous Round jerseys

Every NRL club has designed special jerseys for Rounds 23 and 24. The NRL released the full collection on August 7, 2026. Designs include the Brisbane Broncos, South Sydney Rabbitohs, North Queensland Cowboys, Dolphins, Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers, Canberra Raiders, Roosters, Manly Sea Eagles, Cronulla Sharks, Melbourne Storm, Gold Coast Titans and Wests Tigers. Each jersey reflects unique cultural stories and artistic collaboration with Indigenous communities.

Roosters design draws online criticism

The Sydney Roosters’ First Nations Jersey has become the subject of debate on social media. Some fans have described it unfavourably, with one Reddit user calling it “a joke Xmas shirt.” The design stands out from other clubs’ approaches, though the NRL has not publicly addressed the criticism. The Roosters have not commented on the feedback.

Dragons’ Josh Kerr shares cultural journey

St George Illawarra forward Josh Kerr, 30, opened up about his personal connection to Indigenous Round. Kerr revealed he was ashamed to be Aboriginal as a younger person, influenced by stereotypes and peer pressure in high school. His turning point came when he made the Indigenous All-Stars team, which motivated him to learn more about his culture and history. The proud Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) man now sees Indigenous Round as an opportunity to inspire the next generation of young Indigenous men and women.

School to Work program showcases student artwork

The NRL’s School to Work program, running for over 11 years with Dragons support, connects Indigenous students with players through custom boot designs. This year, students from Albion Park High School and Peel High School in Tamworth created artwork worn by Dragons, Panthers, Wests Tigers and Sharks players during the round. Josh Kerr received his custom-painted boots after training on Thursday, describing the detail as “really special.” Kerr believes the program’s real value lies in giving young Indigenous people opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable, potentially changing their life trajectories.

Final Thoughts

Indigenous Round 2026 extends beyond jerseys to celebrate cultural stories and support young Indigenous Australians through education and mentorship. While the Roosters’ design has drawn debate, the broader initiative reinforces rugby league’s commitment to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

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