The Sharks will join the Dragons in proudly wearing an NRLW Indigenous jersey for the first time in Sunday's clash at WIN Stadium.
Initially designed by renowned Bidjigal artist Jordan Ardler for the Round 12 NRL match against the Panthers, the striking jumper features stringrays, one of the Sutherland Shire's main totems, and captures the cultural tales of the region.
Ardler, who sat down with Sharks Media earlier this year to explain the design in full detail, also incorporated symbology of Dreaming, salt water and fishing enterprise, with a powerful energy through line work and patterns.
For Cronulla's four Indigenous NRLW squad members – Quincy Dodd, Rhiannon Byers, Nakia Davis-Welsh and Jada Taylor – the jersey carries great significance.
"I'm a proud Booraborringal woman from the Dharug Nation," Dodd said.
"The first time wearing an Indigenous jersey means so much. We've been pushing for this for a while now and to be the first one to wear it, along with the Dragons, means so much. I feel like soon there will be an Indigenous Round in the future."
CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE 2024 SHARKS INDIGENOUS RANGE
Earlier this week, Dodd was honoured for her cultural contributions at the Wellbeing and Education Academic Excellence Awards with the NRLW Indigenous Leadership and Excellence Award. Sharks star Nicho Hynes won the NRL equivalent.
"(My culture) means the world. It was unexpected as well. I had Jaime Chapman and Kimmy Hunt beside me as finalists. It means a lot," the dummy-half said.
"This year I've done heaps of different events. I've been to Moree to do a Project Pathfinder program and I've also emceed the Youth Summit.
"To see the next generation coming through and showing them opportunities in rugby league means a lot to me. I can't wait to see what the future holds."
Behind the 2024 Sharks Indigenous jersey design
Jordan Ardler, artist:
This jersey represents ongoing cultural knowledge and stories from the people and lands on which the Sharks' home ground is placed upon.
It contains symbology of Dreaming, salt water, fishing enterprise and showcases a powerful energy through line work and patterns.
The stingrays are a part of Dreaming which remains significant to the people and places in the local community and is passed down through generations.
Using these as the main feature of the jersey showcases the ongoing cultural connection and understanding of the land, and pays respect to all our ancestors and to all the families who occupied and nurtured it for us in the present day.
