Melbourne Storm is proud to share ‘Kerrbooonool’, the Club’s 2024 Indigenous jersey designed by proud Wiradjuri Woman with Dunghutti Connections, Letitia Smith.
Cousin of current player Reimis Smith, Letitia connected with local elders to ensure the jersey design embraced the rich culture and history of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. The jersey, titled ‘Kerrbooonool’ by Local Elder Aunty Joy, means “connection” in Woiwurrung Language.
The ‘Connection’ jersey includes the hand and footprint of all five of Melbourne Storm’s Indigenous players, Smith, Ammaron (AJ) Gudgeon, Stanley Huen, Matthew Hill and Gabriel Satrick, with each player's markings embedded within the jersey.
Each handprint is signed by the respective player, symbolising and respecting tradition while also showing the significance of belonging and unity and highlights their tribal clans and connection to country.
The Yarra River features prominently in the design, with a gathering circle located in the middle of the jersey symbolising the players, staff and stakeholders that come to meet at their collective home, AAMI Park.
Letitia said she hoped each player felt a strong connection to their people, ancestors and the local and wider community while also feeling proud and strong when wearing the jersey.
“The dots in and around the meeting place are the supporters, they are the heart and soul of the club and what keeps the club thriving,” she said.
“At the top of the jersey we have a symbol that represents journey and around that is 23 people which is the 23 different cultures within the club.”
Melbourne Storm’s jersey also pays tribute to another Indigenous Warrior and Leader, with an acknowledgment included on the inner lining of the collar recognising Tony Mundine Senior, a former Australian Champion Boxer and grandfather of Reimis.
“I couldn’t think of anyone better than Uncle Tony - he does a lot for our family and the community and doesn’t judge anyone, so it was just a really special moment for myself and Reimis to have him embedded in the jersey.”
The jersey will be worn in Melbourne Storm’s Round 12 fixture against the Manly Sea Eagles and again for our Round 17 game against the Canberra Raiders where home fans will have the chance to see the players wear the jersey in action.
In a first for the club, the Storm U21 Jersey Flegg team will also have the chance to wear the Indigenous jersey in their match against the Panthers on June 9 – a curtain raiser to the NRL Round 14 Storm v Newcastle match.
The Indigenous jersey is available now on the Storm store – click here to get your jersey now.
