The man behind the design of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys' 2017 Indigenous jersey hopes his work will promote a better understanding of our first Australians.
The special edition jersey was showcased today by Cowboy Shaun Hudson at the NRL's Indigenous Round launch, which saw all 16 clubs wearing their unique kit for Round 10 in celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
The Cowboys will proudly don their Indigenous jersey in Thursday night's Reconciliation Cup clash with the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.
The unique Cowboys design was developed by Ipswich artist Albert Bosen, who said the design reflected his Indigenous heritage and the proud connection he has to his culture.
“It depicts our relationship and connection to the country through the sea, wind, rivers and the ground we walk on," Mr Bosen said.
"It is sacred like the creatures of our land; it gives us inspiration and strength to continue living on country with pride."
Indigenous jersey artist Albert Bosen
The Indigenous jersey exclusively features the Cowboys Community Foundation branding in the sternum position, thanks to a generous donation by major partner Diageo Australia.
The Cowboys Community Foundation is a community-owned charity improving employment, health and social outcomes for young North Queenslanders through education-based programs, including NRL Cowboys House.
Cowboys Community Foundation Director Fiona Pelling said the club was proudly committed to North Queensland’s Indigenous communities and to the wider ethos of raising awareness of Indigenous issues.
“Our club has a proud history of promoting inclusion and diversity and it’s a privilege to be able to use the Cowboys brand to unite communities and build towards equality for all,” Ms Pelling said.
Diageo Australia's Adam Ballesty with the Cowboys' 2017 Indigenous jersey
Diageo Australia Marketing and Innovation Director Adam Ballesty said the company was proud to be able to support the Foundation and their invaluable work in supporting the Indigenous community in North Queensland.
“Diageo has proudly partnered with the Cowboys for many years, and last year upgraded to major sponsor status, featuring the marquee Bundaberg Rum brand on the sternum of the 2017 jersey range,” Mr Ballesty said.
“We saw it as an opportunity to promote the important work the Cowboys are doing in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities, and foster greater awareness about the newly established Cowboys Community Foundation.
“The Foundation is doing remarkable work in the Indigenous space, particularly in supporting students through secondary schooling at NRL Cowboys House and we’re proud to do our bit in helping them achieve their goals.”
Cowboys jerseys worn in the Indigenous Round match will be signed and auctioned in support of the Cowboys Community Foundation from 12pm on Friday 12 May, with auction details to be posted on cowboys.com.au.
The jersey is also on sale through the Cowboys Team Shop.
