League stars back NRL’s Gadhu Gathering

The NRL’s leading Indigenous stars have declared their support for the new Gadhu Gathering fixture in Sydney in August.

The new initiative will see four games played at Allianz Stadium during the NRL and NRLW Indigenous Round in a unique celebration of culture.

South Sydney star Cody Walker said the Gadhu Gathering will have an impact well beyond the football field.

“It’s a proud moment and I’m proud as an Aboriginal man to see the NRL Indigenous Round evolving every year,” Walker told NRL media. “I look forward to [Indigenous Round] every year.

“Since I’ve been in the NRL it’s been evolving and getting better every year. To have a festival for three days with three different games and with teams that have their own individual Indigenous jersey to represent, it’s pretty cool and amazing to be part of.”

The word ‘gadhu’ refers to a large body of water such as the ocean in Dharawal, the overarching language spoken by the Aboriginal people belonging to Coastal Sydney.

The Sydney Roosters will kick off the Gathering when they take on Canterbury on August 15 before the Rabbitohs play the Eels the following day. The Wests Tigers will conclude the event with an NRL-NRLW double-header.

The women will play the Dragons before the men’s side takes on the Sea Eagles.

Tigers chairman Barry O’Farrell said it was another example of the NRL’s leadership in the Indigenous space.

“The creation of the Gadhu Gathering is another demonstration of the NRL’s leadership when it comes to recognising the contribution and celebrating the continued participation of Indigenous Australians in sport, in particular rugby league,” Mr O’Farrell said.

All 17 NRL clubs will wear specially designed jerseys and this year’s event has expanded to two weekends.

The round has also been moved to the back end of the season to ensure both the NRL and NRLW can celebrate the event at the same time.