The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys will proudly wear the story of one of its own, with the 2026 Indigenous Jersey showcasing the “Ngaw Gidha” (My Story) design of artist Pryce Mara.
Get your 2026 Indigenous Jersey here
A boarder at NRL Cowboys House and Year 8 student, Pryce has become the youngest artist ever to have a design featured on the Cowboys annual Indigenous apparel range.
The 13-year-old from Bamaga, in remote Far North Queensland, created the design as part of the NRL Cowboys House cultural program, with the artwork reflecting his identity as both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and tells the story of his connection to Bamaga and the Torres Strait Islands.
Pryce’s “Ngaw Gidha” (My Story) artwork will adorn the 2026 Cowboys Indigenous Jersey as well as the NRL Cowboys House polo and singlet.
Design story – NGAW GIDHA (MY STORY) by Pryce Mara
This artwork tells my story – where I come from and who I am.
The bottom part of the design, in red, brown and yellow, represents the mainland at Bamaga, the tip of Australia, where I’m from. The top part, in blues and greens, represents the Torres Strait Islands – Badu, Mabuiag and Saibai – where my family bloodlines come from.
I am both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, so this design shows the connection between land and sea, and how both are part of me. When I think of home, these are the images that come to mind.
I included the shape of Australia and the dhoeri, the Torres Strait Islander headdress, because they are important symbols of my culture and identity. The patterns across the artwork represent culture and storytelling. I’m still learning what they all mean in my culture.
When people see my design, I hope they see that I’m young, that I represent both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and that I’m proud of who I am.
Artist Bio: Pryce Mara
Pryce Mara is a boarding student at NRL Cowboys House and a Year 8 student at Kirwan State High School.
Pryce’s hometown is Bamaga and he has strong cultural connections to both mainland Australia and the Torres Strait Islands, with family ties to Badu, Mabuiag and Saibai. His identity as both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander plays a central role in his artwork and storytelling.
Pryce created his first major artwork through the NRL Cowboys House cultural program, drawing inspiration from his family, his Country and the place he calls home. Guided by his artist uncle Edmond, he is developing his understanding of cultural storytelling through art.
Outside of art, Pryce enjoys basketball along with fishing, gaming and spending time with friends. He dreams of one day playing in the NBA, while also considering a future in the mining industry.
Pryce hopes his journey inspires other young people to try hard and do their best, while making positive choices and staying connected to school and community.
Having his design selected for the 2026 Cowboys Indigenous range is something Pryce approaches with both pride and humility – and he is excited to see his artwork worn on and off the field.
Pryce, who attends Kirwan State High School, drew inspiration from his family, his Country and the place he calls home when creating his design.
Guided by his uncle Edmond, Pryce continues to learn about cultural storytelling through art while balancing school, basketball and boarding life in Townsville.
“This is my first proper art piece,” Pryce said. “I feel proud – and a little bit shy at the same time.”
“When I think of home, these are the images that come to mind. It felt like the design just came to me.
“I hope people see that I’m young, that I represent both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and that people think it looks good.”
Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling said the design selection was a special achievement for Pryce and a proud moment for his family and home community, and the broader Cowboys family.
“We’re incredibly proud of Pryce and the way he has shared his story through this artwork,” Ms Pelling said.
“This design is thoughtful, authentic and full of pride in culture and identity, and it’s amazing to see someone so young create something with such meaning.
“NRL Cowboys House is all about creating opportunities for young people to grow in confidence, stay connected to culture and pursue their passions, and Pryce is a wonderful example of that.
“To see one of our students become the youngest designer in the history of the Cowboys Indigenous range is really special for everyone connected to the program.”
Cowboys launch 2026 Indigenous Jersey
The 2026 Indigenous Jersey will be first seen on-field in the club’s very own special Indigenous Round clash, when the Cowboys face the Roosters in Round 22 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The Cowboys NRLW side will once again wear the Indigenous Jersey when they take the field during the annual NRL Indigenous Round across Rounds 6 and 7 of the NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership, including the standalone clash against the Sharks on Sunday 16 August.
