The National Rugby League (NRL) today launched NRL Indigenous Round 2023, delivered by DoorDash, highlighting the importance of Moving Forward Together towards reconciliation.
NRL Indigenous Round elevates and celebrates First Nations history and culture through the game and encourages greater understanding across the Rugby League community.
This year, listening to and learning from the game’s Indigenous communities takes on added significance ahead of the referendum on the First Nations Voice to Parliament. To help fans learn more about Indigenous land and history, and get the facts about the Voice, the NRL is providing a range of resources, information and stories via nrl.com/indigenous.
Bringing the round to life across the weekend (18-21 May), all venues will use their traditional custodian land names, matches will be preceded by welcome ceremonies and Indigenous cultural performances, and teams will take the field in specially designed jerseys inspired by local Indigenous art and storytelling.
Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman, Peter V’landys AM, said: “NRL Indigenous Round is a truly special week in our calendar. Our First Nations communities have incredibly deep bonds with Rugby League and are part of our fabric at all levels of the game, from grassroots participants and fans to the Indigenous stars who light up the NRL and NRLW.
“It is through listening to and learning from Indigenous voices in our game that we can continue to move forward as the greatest game for all.”
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is ingrained in Rugby League. The game’s bonds with Indigenous communities run deep and have always helped drive learning and change.
“This week, we celebrate those bonds and call on everyone in the game to listen, learn and use their voices, so we can lift up Indigenous voices.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said that Indigenous Round carries special importance on the NRL calendar.
“As the only national sporting organisation with an Elevate RAP, we have a leadership role to play in educating and storytelling about the Indigenous communities and cultures who give so much to Rugby League.
“Indigenous Round is a time to celebrate culture and community so that our whole game feels empowered to move forward together.”
The NRL has supported the Uluru Statement From the Heart in full since 2017, and last week announced its position on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
NRL Indigenous Round is delivered by DoorDash, which supports its commitment to Indigenous Australians via the DoorDash Scholarship Program. The program was created in 2021 to assist Indigenous students across the NRL School to Work Program with financial needs, to help them move forward in completing their HSC and pursue further education or employment.
Since 2021, Doordash has helped 142 students through the program and in 2023, it is pledging another $30,000 to help more future leaders achieve their goals and aspirations.
Venues for NRL Indigenous Round 2023 (Round 12)*
- Broncos v Panthers – Suncorp Stadium, home of the Yuggera & Turrbal People
- Dragons v Roosters – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, home of the Bidjigal and Bediagal People
- Rabbitohs v Eels – Allianz Stadium, home of the Gadigal and Bidjigal People
- Sharks v Knights – C.ex Coffs International Stadium, home of the Gumbaynggirr People
- Wests Tigers v Cowboys – Leichhardt Oval, home of the Wann-gal People
- Dolphins v Storm – Suncorp Stadium, home of the Yuggera & Turrbal People
- Bulldogs v Titans – Accor Stadium, home of the Burramattagal and Wann-gal People
- Raiders v Sea Eagles – GIO Stadium, home of the Ngunnawal and Ngambiri People
* 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.
