The Parramatta Eels will be playing in their new Indigenous Jersey this week against the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Sunday 14 May for Round 10 of the NRL Telstra Premiership as the league celebrates Indigenous Round.
Please note, the Parramatta Eels Indigenous Jersey is not available for retail and will be an on-field worn jersey in Round 10 only.
Designer: Daren Dunn
Inspiration/Story: This jersey celebrates and pays respect to the traditional owners of Parramatta and their deep and rich ancient heritage. The area of Parramatta was known by the Darug people as Burramatta ("Burra" meaning eel and "matta" meaning creek).
The side panels of the jersey represent a welcome dance by the local Aboriginal people to celebrate and acknowledge the "Indigenous Round" with all the cultural groups of Australia with the Parramatta Eels, to celebrate our Cultures as one. It's called the "Shake A Leg" Dance.
The back of jersey represents significant ceremonial sites and meeting places within "Burramatta" especially those most sacred sites to the eastern side near Duck River, Homebush Bay and Parramatta Park.
The front of the jersey celebrates and acknowledges the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal women of today, the past and the future. We pay respect to our Women in our families and communities who lead and support us everyday.
The Eel: "Eel Dreaming" is an important part of our Aboriginal Culture in this region and is our connection to our Aboriginal Ancestors who look over us and the land everyday. This is the Ancestral Spirit of the Parramatta jersey.
