The Parramatta Eels are proud to reveal their 2024 Indigenous Round Jersey, a story of journey to the Gathering Place.
The Jersey was designed by Indigenous artist and Gamilaroi/Wiradjuri man Sean Duncan-Kinchela, along with Parramatta Eels player J’maine Hopgood, a proud Gooreng Gooreng man. The design represents Hopgood’s journey to Dharug and Burramattagal, the land the Parramatta Eels call home.
The 2024 Indigenous Round Jersey is available now on the Eels Store.
The focal point of the Jersey is an owl, which, as a totem of the Gooreng Gooreng people, represents Hopgood.
The blue, diagonal design across the front of the jersey represents the Burramattagal river (Parramatta River) which Hopgood has journeyed to.
Arches and peaks above the river represent two landmarks of Dharug land: the Hills and the Blue Mountains, respectively.
The star symbols and emu at the top of the Jersey represent the Milky Way and navigation techniques used by Indigenous people in their travels.
The lower third includes a kangaroo travelling along the river, and touches of Indigenous dot painting.
The history and identity of the Parramatta Eels are heavily influenced by Indigenous Australia.
The Eels play home games on Burramattagal land, a clan of the Dharug people. An Indigenous name, Burramattagal translates to “a place where the eels lie down”, a nod to the river. The eel mascot was born from this connection, and represents both the Club and its home.
The Eels will wear the Jersey in their Indigenous Round match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday 25 May at Accor Stadium.
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