An intrinsic connection to land and sea will be at the heart of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys’ 2022 Indigenous jersey, with the club commissioning prolific Indigenous artist Margaret Mara to create this year's design.
Continuing the club's commitment to celebrating and recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures, the unique jersey will be worn for NRL Indigenous Round and launched at the Cowboys Team Shop closer to Round 12.
A proud Old Mapoon woman, artist Margaret Mara is a mother of nine and grandmother of eleven with two children in their senior year boarding at NRL Cowboys House.
Margaret inspired House students and their connection to culture in 2021 through the donation of 20 artworks by Wei’Num Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts and Crafts Corporation to NRL Cowboys House.
Building on these strong ties, the NRL Cowboys House polo shirt worn by students, staff and partners will also feature the design, with supporters able to secure their own limited-edition House shirt when the Indigenous range drops at the Team Shop.
NRL Cowboys House will kick off the rollout of Margaret’s unique design at a special shirt handover event for students this month, marking an important milestone on the House calendar and giving members, fans and supporters their first glimpse of the design.
Margaret's work has previously featured in magazines as well as joint and solo local shows, while her paintings are also featured in private collections nationally and internationally.
With past Cowboys Indigenous jersey designs originating from the annual jersey design competition, Chief Community & Government Relations Officer Fiona Pelling paid tribute to the artists whose designs have adorned the club’s Indigenous jerseys.
“We’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing Indigenous artists and had the privilege of creating a range of stunning Indigenous jerseys over more than ten years of the Cowboys Indigenous Jersey Design Competition,” she said.
“We’re proud to have been able to provide a national platform for these artists to showcase their inspiring designs and they’re part of our club history.
“In working exclusively with the very talented Margaret Mara on this year’s design, we’ve been able to tap into a special connection with NRL Cowboys House that we’re excited to share with our Cowboys community in 2022.”
Stay tuned to Cowboys channels for more information on the 2022 Indigenous range!
