The nib Newcastle Knights 2023 Indigenous Round jersey, designed by Worimi artist, Gerard Black, proudly acknowledges the First Nations of our region, stretching from the Hawkesbury River to the Queensland border and into north-western NSW.
The 2023 design picks up the thread of Black’s 2022 version, which received overwhelming positive responses from the community, and will be worn at this Saturday’s game against the Cronulla Sharks at C.ex Stadium, Coffs Harbour.
The jersey is a beautiful and powerful representation of the natural and cultural heritage of Newcastle and the surrounding region, depicting the waterways, lands, sand dunes, and mountain ranges, interconnected with the spirit of the ancestors and creators in dreaming times. Black’s design is a celebration and powerful reminder of the continuity of culture and the ongoing importance of ancestral knowledge and wisdom.
The design also celebrates the resilience and strength of the Aboriginal people, with an impenetrable wall of sacred shields at the base of the jersey serving as a a powerful symbol of protection for the cultural spirit and deep connections of the First Nations people of the region, as well as for future generations. These traditional warrior shields are represented with spiritual sacred scar carved patterns that draw energy from the dreaming to make each player stronger when it comes time to take the field.
13 totems of Northern NSW: Our 2023 Indigenous Round jersey
The design is completed by the addition of the totems representing the 13 Nations of northern NSW, which are carried through from the 2022 design and are central to the design’s celebration of our region.
“Above the totems at the front of the jersey is the Barrington Tops, a culturally important initiation place for young warriors, including that of my Worimi people,” Mr. Black said.
“The top of the jersey front represents warriors in the Dreamtime in the stars watching over.
“In addition to the shields and totems across the back of the jersey is a bora circle, which represents a coming of age an initiation where young men become warriors.
“Our First Nation’s warriors were honourable, brave, and led by example, they proudly stood tall with their shields and spears ready to give their all for their people and each other. I see these qualities in each player, the Club, and their loyal fans.”
For more info on the artist, visit here.
To purchase the jersey, visit the Knights Shop.
